Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Survivorship

Abstract

The completion of primary treatment for breast cancer has been referred to as a “teachable moment” for health behavior change, suggesting that women are receptive to receiving physical activity counseling. However, the majority of breast cancer survivors are not sufficiently active. Health care providers may play a pivotal role in increasing patients’ physical activity behavior, yet physician counseling for physical activity is not done regularly. One reason for this failure may relate to the limited guidelines put forward to assist health care providers in how best to optimize the benefits of physical activity among breast cancer survivors. To help provide guidelines for physical activity counseling with breast cancer survivors, the authors synthesized evidence-based recommendations based on a review of 30 intervention studies. The evidence on (1) type, (2) intensity, and (3) frequency and duration of physical activity for this population was examined. On the basis of the reviewed studies, the authors find that physical activity programs for breast cancer survivors should include aerobic training at least 3 times/wk for 30 minutes, resistance training 2 to 3 times/wk (6-12 exercises), and flexibility training 3 times/wk for 50 to 60 minutes to obtain health benefits. The provision of these recommendations may facilitate effective and consistent delivery of physical activity counseling to breast cancer survivors.