Greatest decrease in physical activity occurs 10 years following diagnosis
Previous studies show that physical activity can reduce mortality and extend survival among breast cancer survivors; however, few of these patients follow national exercise recommendations of at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise during the 10 years following a diagnosis, according to a recent study.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center followed 631 breast cancer survivors enrolled in the HEAL (Health, Eating, Activity and Lifestyle) Study for 10 years. Participants were from New Mexico, Los Angeles County, and western Washington and between the ages of 18 and 64. Interviews concerning recreational aerobic activity were performed the year before diagnosis and again 2, 5, and 10 years after study enrollment.
US physical activity guidelines were met by 34% of the participants prior to diagnosis. This number improved to 39.5% 5 years after study enrollment but declined to 21.4% at 10 years. Generally, US physical activity guidelines were met by less than 8% of the women at all study time points.
Study authors wrote, “Additional consideration of psychosocial factors and issues related to pain management, fatigue, and specific treatment effects may help to better understand the unique issues faced by cancer survivors and their impact on physical activity participation.”
The study is published online in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.