Exercise participation after diagnosis of breast cancer: trends and effects on mood and quality of life

Abstract

Individuals treated for cancer often experience higher levels of emotional distress than the general population. Previous research has shown that exercise can have an ameliorating effect on these problems. This 12-month prospective longitudinal study investigated mood, quality of life, cancer-related symptoms, and exercise behavior of 69 women who had completed treatment for Stage 0-2 breast cancer. We studied the natural progression of exercise participation after cancer treatment. Effects on mood, quality of life, and cancer-related symptoms were assessed after controlling for demographic variables, disease variables, social support, and baseline values to test the hypothesis that women who exercised were more likely to report better mood, higher quality of life, and fewer cancer-related symptoms. Results indicated that women did not increase their exercise participation over time and that overall mean minutes of exercise participation were below recommended levels. Baseline demographic predictors of exercise participation included younger age, having a spouse or partner, increased time since diagnosis, higher social support, and higher depression. Exercise participation was associated with improved physical functioning, but not overall mood or cancer-related symptoms. We discuss implications of these findings towards the well-being of breast cancer survivors.

Physical activity levels after treatment for breast cancer: one-year follow-up

“…In the study of Pinto et al, moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity exercise participation did not significantly increase between one and twelve months after surgery [4]. Harisson et al had comparable findings [5].…”

Adjustment to Life with Lung Cancer

“…Touring and dancing, very important in this aspect, also played a significant role in improving the mini-MAC test scores in the following areas: Positive re-evaluation and constructive style [41]. Comparable dependencies were further identified by other researchers, amongst others by P. Lueboonthavatchai [42] and B. Pinto et al [43].…”

Impact of a Home-Based Walking Intervention on Outcomes of Sleep Quality, Emotional Distress, and Fatigue in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Solid Tumors

“…Benefits may include decreased emotional distress and fatigue as well as improved vigor which may be attainable for solid tumor patients, regardless of diagnosis. Exercise has been proposed to affect sleep and mood through fatigue due to the close association of these symptoms [47], and the improvement of fatigue, mood, and sleep together have been documented in other studies [48,49]. Future intervention studies among patients receiving active cancer treatment should evaluate exercise guidelines specific to age or treatment type and, possibly, cancer diagnosis.…”