Physical Activity and Survival in Postmenopausal Women with Breast Cancer: Results from the Women's Health Initiative

Abstract

Although studies have shown that physically active breast cancer survivors have lower all-cause mortality, the association between change in physical activity from before to after diagnosis and mortality is not clear. We examined associations among pre- and postdiagnosis physical activity, change in pre- to postdiagnosis physical activity, and all-cause and breast cancer–specific mortality in post-menopausal women. A longitudinal study of 4,643 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer after entry into the Women’s Health Initiative study of postmenopausal women. Physical activity from recreation and walking was determined at baseline (prediagnosis) and after diagnosis (assessed at the 3 or 6 years post-baseline visit). Women participating in 9 MET-h/wk or more (~3 h/wk of fast walking) of physical activity before diagnosis had a lower all-cause mortality (HR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.44–0.87; P = 0.01) compared with inactive women in multivariable adjusted analyses. Women participating in ≥9 or more MET-h/wk of physical activity after diagnosis had lower breast cancer mortality (HR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.35–0.99; P = 0.049) and lower all-cause mortality (HR = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.38–0.79; P < 0.01). Women who increased or maintained physical activity of 9 or more MET-h/wk after diagnosis had lower all-cause mortality (HR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.46–0.96) even if they were inactive before diagnosis. High levels of physical activity may improve survival in postmenopausal women with breast cancer, even among those reporting low physical activity prior to diagnosis. Women diagnosed with breast cancer should be encouraged to initiate and maintain a program of physical activity.

Cancer Treatment-Induced Bone Loss in women with breast cancer

“…13 Recent reports provided evidence that physical activity carried out 3 h per week decreases the BC-related morbidity and mortality. 43 In addition, lifestyle changes such as reduced alcohol consumption and to quit smoking are recommended. 13 In the past, numerous study results on the preventative effects of adequate supplementation of vitamin D (1000-2000 units per day) in postmenopausal women with osteopenia/osteoporosis have been reported.…”

The Impact of Exercise Training on Breast Cancer

“…Many authors report in their studies that high physical activity in individuals after breast cancer treatment can slow the disease progression and increase the cure rates. Irwin et al demonstrated that high physical activity (≥9 MET/week) in women treated due to breast cancer and its increase from low to high after treatment reduced the risk of cancer-related death by 39% (21,30). Studies of other teams confirmed these observations (18,(31)(32)(33)(34).…”

“…Holmes et al demonstrated a reduction in the risk of death due to breast cancer in women who exercised (3-5 hours per week) after treatment compared to women with a sedentary lifestyle (18). Other research groups have confirmed these results (19)(20)(21)(22). Walsh et al and Daroux-Cole et al suggested that exercise stimulated the immune system in cancer patients (23,24).…”

Population Inquiry Regarding Mammography in Postmenopausal Women in Southern Brazil

“…Both, obesity (Callee et al, 2003;Chlebowski et al, 2004; American Cancer Society, 2012; 2013) and physical activity (Chlebowski et al, 2004;Leitzmann et al, 2008;Irwin et al, 2011;American Cancer Society, 2012;2013) has been associated with increased breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women.…”