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The Biological Mechanisms by Which Physical Activity Might Have an Impact on Outcome/Prognosis After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

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Exercise and Cancer Survivorship

Abstract

Despite the growing body of observational evidence suggesting a link between PA and breast cancer survival, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are poorly understood. A few small RCTs have examined the impact of exercise on surrogate/biological markers of survival. The beneficial effects of PA may be mediated through a reduction in body fat and beneficial changes in metabolic (e.g., insulin) and sex hormones (e.g., androgens and estrogens), growth factors (IGF-I and associated binding proteins, e.g., IGFBP-3), adipokines (e.g., leptin, adiponectin), and/or inflammation (e.g., CRP). Although much further research is needed to determine the effect of PA on these biological markers, we posit that PA decreases breast cancer death directly and indirectly through multiple, interrelated actions of body fat levels and/or hormonal concentrations and actions. Given the high level of physical inactivity in the population, and the heavy burden that breast cancer creates for the individual and for society, the need for well-designed trials of exercise on breast cancer survival and surrogate/biological markers mediating a potential effect is an urgent public health priority.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, 06520-8034, USA

    Melinda L. Irwin

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  1. Melinda L. Irwin
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Correspondence to Melinda L. Irwin .

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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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Irwin, M.L. (2010). The Biological Mechanisms by Which Physical Activity Might Have an Impact on Outcome/Prognosis After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis. In: Saxton, J., Daley, A. (eds) Exercise and Cancer Survivorship. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1173-5_6

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