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Exercise After Treatment for Breast Cancer: Effects on Quality of Life

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Exercise and Cancer Survivorship

Abstract

Whilst the incidence of breast cancer is high, survival is good and has improved significantly over the past 30 years. A diagnosis of breast cancer can be a life-changing event for women and treatment can be intense and prolonged; this can have a detrimental effect on QoL. Exercise may be a means by which the QoL of cancer survivors can be improved. Evidence from numerous trials have shown that many of the physical, functional and emotional effects that are typically experienced by women after treatment for breast cancer may be ameliorated, at least in the short term, through participation in regular exercise, regardless of mode or setting. However, despite considerable advancements in this field, we must remain cognizant that we have a long way to go and many questions remain unanswered. There is still a need for larger trials of high methodological quality that include long-term follow-up.

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Acknowledgments

Amanda Daley is supported by a NIHR Senior Research Fellowship (Career Scientist Award). The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, NIHR or the Department of Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, S10 2BP, UK

    Helen Crank

  2. Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, Birmingham, UK

    Amanda Daley

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Correspondence to Helen Crank .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Sport & Exercise Science, Sheffield Hallam University, Collegiate Crescent Campus, Sheffield, S10 2BP, United Kingdom

    John Saxton

  2. Medical School, Dept. Primary Care & General Practice, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom

    Amanda Daley

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Crank, H., Daley, A. (2010). Exercise After Treatment for Breast Cancer: Effects on Quality of Life. In: Saxton, J., Daley, A. (eds) Exercise and Cancer Survivorship. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1173-5_4

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