The Role of Physical Activity in the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Breast Cancer

Abstract

The inverse relationship between physical activity and breast cancer risk has been confirmed by several epidemiological and case control studies. But the use of different test methods makes it difficult to come to a unified statement and a conclusive evaluation as to how much exercise is required. However, risk reduction of breast cancer seems to be between 30 and 40% amongst women who engage in daily and leisure time activities. Exercise has marked effects on many different systems of the human body that may reduce cancer risk, e.g. endogenous hormones, energy balance, body composition, immune function, DNA repair and antioxidant defense. These effects vary according to type, frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activity. The American Cancer Society recommends to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity at least 4 h a week to reduce the risk of breast cancer. In addition to the apparent role of exercise in primary prevention of breast cancer, there is growing interest in and evidence for its usefulness during and after breast cancer treatment. Exercise may reduce the probability of recurrence and enhance survival. The mechanisms are supposed to be similar to those occurring in primary prevention. In addition, the effects on psychosocial factors and fatigue improve quality of life after the diagnosis. The greatest benefit occurred in women who performed moderate physical activity 3-5 h per week.

The effect of long-term gymnastic exercises on body composition changes in women after mastectomy

“…It has been proven that physical training is the basis for lowering the risk of breast cancer among the women who exercise, and a low level of physical activity is one of those risk factors which can be modified in the easiest way [12,35]. Our study shows that women with breast cancer did not lead an active lifestyle before the diagnosis.…”

“…It was shown that regular physical activity can reduce the breast cancer risk through a positive influence on hormonal regulation, immune system function, energy balance [9][10][11][12][13] or body composition [14]. A decrease in the number of breast cancer recurrences and a fall in mortality of the physically active women compared to the population with the sedentary lifestyles were observed [15][16][17][18][19][20].…”

“…A decrease in the number of breast cancer recurrences and a fall in mortality of the physically active women compared to the population with the sedentary lifestyles were observed [15][16][17][18][19][20]. The greatest benefits were observed in patients with moderate physical activity from 3 to 5 hours per week [12,21]. Moderate physical activity causes positive changes in body composition: it helps with fat burning and causes growth of muscle mass [14,22,23].…”

Yoga for Women Living with Breast Cancer-Related Arm Morbidity: Findings from an Exploratory Study

“…Physical activity can improve quality of life and lead to many positive health benefits for those who participate regularly, including those living with illness and disability. [13][14][15][16][17] There is a growing body of literature demonstrating that physical activity during and after breast cancer treatment can improve both physical health and psychosocial well-being. 18,14,16,[19][20][21][22] Although many of these studies have focused on the rehabilitative and restorative effects of physical activity for women living with breast cancer, the experiences of women living with arm morbidity has generally been ignored within this literature.…”