Participating in an exercise program can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with metastatic breast cancer, reducing pain and fatigue, according to recent trial results shared at the 14th European Breast Cancer Conference.
The study highlighted that exercise benefits were most notable in patients under the age of 50, but emphasized the importance of incorporating physical activity into the treatment plans of all patients with advanced cancer.
Dr. Anouk Hiensch, from the University Medical Center Utrecht in The Netherlands, pointed out the scarcity of research on exercise for patients with advanced cancer, despite its potential to enhance life quality alongside ongoing treatments.
This trial involved 357 patients with an average age of 55, from various cancer centers across Germany, Poland, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, and Australia.
Participants were divided into two groups: one received a nine-month personalized exercise program along with standard care, and the other received standard care alone.
The exercise regimen included bi-weekly sessions focusing on resistance, aerobic, and balance exercises, all supervised by qualified professionals.
Additionally, all participants were encouraged to maintain a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity daily and were provided with activity trackers to monitor their progress.
Assessments conducted at the beginning, middle, and end of the study period showed significant improvements in fatigue levels and overall quality of life among the exercise group.
This was especially true for younger women and those experiencing pain at the study’s onset.
Dr. Hiensch recommends supervised exercise as a standard part of care for patients with metastatic breast cancer, especially for those dealing with pain.
She also suggests that while older patients benefited from the exercise, adjustments might be needed to optimize the program for their needs.
For patients interested in starting an exercise routine, consulting with healthcare providers and seeking a trainer experienced in cancer patient care is advisable.
The potential mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of exercise on cancer-related pain might involve the reduction of inflammation. The research team is analyzing blood samples collected during the trial to further understand these effects.
Moreover, a cost-effectiveness analysis is underway to advocate for the inclusion of exercise programs in the healthcare coverage for patients, highlighting the practical benefits of such interventions for policymakers and insurers.
Professor Michail Ignatiadis, Chair of the conference and not involved in the study, emphasized the significance of these findings for improving the lives of patients with advanced breast cancer.
He noted the importance of ensuring a high quality of life for these patients, who may live with their disease for many months or years, underscoring that while a cure may not always be possible, enhancing life quality is paramount.
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