Suggested Exercise Program During Breast Cancer Treatment example essay topic

Roughly 217,440 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2004, resulting in nearly 40,580 deaths (3). Those newly diagnosed with breast cancer often have the choice of several different treatments. The treatments include chemotherapy and radiation. Fatigue related from cancer is defined as "a persistent, subjective sense of tiredness related to cancer or cancer treatment that interferes with usual functioning" (1). This helps contribute to physical inactivity in these patients, leading to de conditioning and decreased functional capacity (1).

Physical inactivity and an increase in rest have generally been recommended for cancer patients (1). However, recent research has shown that physical activity helps with the management of fatigue and improves quality of life (1-4). In addition, 50% of patients prefer non pharmacologic interventions in order to manage fatigue (4). The current recommendations for breast cancer patients are low to moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, to manage fatigue and, in turn, improve quality of life (3, 4).

Several studies support the recommendations for physical activity in breast cancer patients. These studies prescribed a home-based walking programs to women who were going to receive chemotherapy or radiation treatment for Stage I to breast cancer (1, 2). The walking programs were based on the duration of the radiation (6 weeks) or chemotherapy (3 months) treatment (1, 2). The subjects were put into two groups, usual care or usual care and the walking program (1, 2).

Both of the walking programs prescribed working up to 30 minutes of brisk walking, 5 to 6 days per week and approximately 50-70% of maximum heart rate (1, 2). These meet the ACSM's standards for positive health benefits. Mock, et al studied fatigue and functional capacity in participation in a home-based walking program (1). They concluded that exercise during treatment of cancer increased functional capacity and decreased fatigue in sedentary women subjected to chemotherapy or radiation (1). The subjects who adhered to the program had significantly lower fatigue levels than those who did not participate (1).

The adherence rate of those participating in the exercise program was 72% (1). Since these women were sedentary prior to this study, this suggests an urgency and desire to benefit their overall health. They see the importance of being physically fit, not only to reduce fatigue during treatment, but to improve it after treatment as well. Pickett, et al reported on the adherence rate to a home-based walking program (2).

They found a 52 to 89% adherence rate to the exercise program (2). Adherence to the walking program leads to decreased fatigue and increased functional capacity, as found by Mock, et al. This study also reported 50% of the usual care group maintained or increased their physical activity, while 33% of the exercise group did not meet the standards set by the prescription (2). This may be due to previous exercise already integrated into the subject's lifestyle or a sedentary lifestyle before the study (2). Women who were sedentary or who previously exercised would benefit from the suggested exercise program during breast cancer treatment. However, some may need more instruction and structure than others.

Several other studies tested different modes of exercise and its effects on fatigue, quality of life. Must ian, et al monitored subjects who had completed cancer treatment in the last 30 months who participated in 12 weeks, 3 times per week for 60 minutes of Tai Chi Chuan or received psychosocial support (3). Tai Chi Chuan is a low to moderate intensity form of physical activity, incorporating psychological, physiological, and sociological aspects (2). The Tai Chi Chuan group reported improvements on quality of life and self-esteem, while the psychosocial group reported decreases in both (2).

Even low to moderate forms of physical activity can assist in a better recovery from breast cancer treatment than no activity. This benefit will not only help during treatment, but after recovery as well. Headley, et al studied subjects beginning chemotherapy treatment for Stage IV breast cancer (3). One group participated in a seated exercise program 3 times a week for 30 minutes and the other group did not (3). The research found those women who exercised reported less fatigue and a slower decrease in quality of life than the control group (3). This shows adherence to any kind of exercise program can reduce fatigue and improve quality of life (3).

From the literature reviewed, adherence to a consistent exercise program can decrease fatigue and improve quality of life in post-diagnosis of breast cancer. Fatigue due to chemotherapy and radiation treatment is one of the more difficult side effects to cope with. The recommendations of physical activity for the general population (30 minutes per day, on most days of the week) seems to be relevant to breast cancer patients as well. The only limitations for exercise are how well the patient can tolerate the prescription, treatment of side effects or managing stressful disease symptoms (1, 2).