Exercise Benefits Breast Cancer Survivors: Research

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Researchers at the University of Missouri suggest that exercises will not aggravate the condition of breast cancer survivors who suffer from post-treatment lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition where the breasts of the person undergo swelling because of the removal or radiation of lymph nodes as part of the treatment process. It is estimated that more than 6.8 million Americans either suffer from lymphedema or are at a risk of developing it. (1)

The study reviewed some older literature on breast cancer survivors that suggested that exercise could worsen the lymphedema patient’s agony and that they are recommended to lead a sedate life. After the review the researchers say that the benefits to be had by both the breast cancer survivors and those with lymphedema are far more than the risks of aggravating their condition especially if they are closely monitored. (2)

As per the author of the study, Jane Armer, PhD, RN, FAAN at the University of Missouri, “Exercise can be beneficial and not harmful for breast cancer survivors. Each individual should balance the pros and cons of the activity she chooses, but keep in mind that being sedentary has risks and being active is beneficial in many ways, including possibly reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.” (3)

The researchers after executing a systematic review of contemporary literature said that of specific benefit would be doing weight workouts or any other workouts that provided resistance to the patient’s musculature and skeletal system. Advantages are to be had through carefully increasing the number of repetitions done in such exercise programs. However, what needed t be seen is whether such a program will altogether prevent the breast cancer condition from occurring.

As was the cases earlier, patients of lymphedema were recommended to undergo surgery to ‘fix’ the swelling yet the swelling at best, could only be reduced and not done away with. For this reason, a lot of patients took to wearing traditional compression garments. Other patients undergo traditional therapy using specialized massage and compression garments and bandages to reduce fluid and swelling before considering surgery

The literature reviews were published in conjunction with the American Lymphedema Framework Project (ALFP). A pdf version of the review may be got from the Journal of Cancer Survivorship. (4)

As a conclusion of the review, it was stated that there is now strong evidence on the safety of resistance exercise without an increase in risk of lymphedema for breast cancer patients. The review has implications that with reasonable precautions, it is safe for breast cancer survivors to exercise throughout the trajectory of their cancer experience, including during treatment. (5)

SOURCES:
1. The Incidence of Lymphedema; Lymphnotes.com - Department of Health & Human Services, USA; December, 2011; http://www.lymphnotes.com/article.php/id/401/
2. Researchers Recommend Exercise for Breast Cancer Survivors, Lymphedema Patients; Science Daily News; December, 2011; http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201125426.htm
3. MU Researchers Recommend Exercise for Breast Cancer Survivors, Lymphedema Patients; News Bureau- University of Missouri; December, 2011; http://munews.missouri.edu/news-releases/2011/1130-mu-researchers-recommend-exercise-for-breast-cancer-survivors-lymphedema-patients/
4. Exercise In Patients With Lymphedema: A Systematic Review Of The Contemporary Literature; Journal of cancer Survivorship; December, 2011; http://resources.metapress.com/pdf-preview.axd?code=35m3003u5377q122&size=largest
5. Exercise in patients with lymphedema: a systematic review of the contemporary literature; Springer Link; December, 2011; http://www.springerlink.com/content/35m3003u5377q122/

INFORMATION IN THIS ARTICLE IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.

Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman – Tips From A Sufferer: ISBN: 978-81-291-1517-1 (Publisher: Rupa & Co. URL: http://www.amazon.com/Migraines-Informed-Woman-Tips-Sufferer/dp/8129115174/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1298990756&sr=1-2), Mentor Your Mind – Tested Mantras For The Busy Woman: ISBN: 978-81-207-5973-2 (Publisher: Sterling Publishers; URL: http://www.sterlingpublishers.com/search_result.asp) and the upcoming The Urban Woman’s Integrated Fitness Guide (Publisher: Hay House India). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Please visit www.mamtasingh.com

Reviewed December 19, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN

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