Everything breast cancer patients need to know about diet and exercise

How to best support your treatment

• In this article:

• How exercise influences quality of life during breast cancer treatment

• What the current research tells us about exercise and cancer recurrence rates

• Helpful resources for breast cancer patients

It’s common knowledge these days that regular movement and a balanced diet are essential components of our health and well-being – at all ages. But how should those undergoing treatment for breast cancer approach exercise? An expert explains. 

As we wrap up another breast cancer awareness month, one major focus of researchers and experts across the country remains; understanding how to best support patients undergoing treatment.   

While countless trials and studies into innovative and life-changing treatment options continue to be explored, many practitioners and breast cancer specialists are passionate about exploring the role of diet and exercise in managing patients’ health outcomes and quality of life. 

Dr Eva Zopf, an exercise physiologist specialising in cancer management, shares with Body+Soul some of the key fitness and nutrition findings for breast cancer patients and survivors. 

How exercise influences quality of life during breast cancer treatment

Contrary to any assumptions people may have, Dr Zopf insists regular exercise is an effective – and totally safe - intervention for people undergoing treatment for breast cancer. 

“There is strong evidence that exercise reduces cancer-related fatigue and improves quality of life and emotional well-being (reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms),” she explains, adding that exercise also increases fitness and muscle strength, making social interactions throughout treatment periods easier. 

Additionally, emerging evidence has linked exercise to improvements in body composition, bone health, sleep quality, pain, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, cardiotoxicity, cognitive function and sexual well-being.

“Preliminary evidence suggests that patients who exercise may be more likely to tolerate optimal treatment doses, which may lead to a better prognosis,” Dr Zopf adds.

Exercise is an effective – and totally safe - intervention for people undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Image: Pexels

What the current research tells us about exercise and cancer recurrence rates

When it comes to observing a link between regular movement and cancer recurrence, the data is more than optimistic. According to Zopf, one large study found women who exercised for a minimum of 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week before and after being diagnosed with breast cancer, had a 55 per cent lower risk of recurrence compared to women who exercised less. 

The data also found women who only began exercising after completing their breast cancer treatment experienced a 46 per cent lower risk of recurrence compared to women who did not meet the minimum guidelines at all. 

“So, current data suggests doing approximately 20 minutes of brisk walking a day can help lower the risk of breast cancer recurring and improve survival,” Dr Zopf says. 

Current data suggests doing approximately 20 minutes of brisk walking a day can help lower the risk of breast cancer recurring and improve survival. Image: iStock

How should exercise be approached during treatment?

According to Dr Zopf, there are many ways exercise can be incorporated into a person’s schedule while undergoing cancer treatment, depending on an individual’s capability and personal preference. 

While any form of movement has the potential to be beneficial, the exercise physiologist recommends women undergoing treatment strive for a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise. 

“Aerobic training includes exercises that improve the function of your heart, blood vessels and respiration system, when performed for periods longer than 10 minutes (such as walking, running, cycling, swimming),” explains Zopf. 

“Resistance training includes exercises that can help you increase your muscle strength (such as repetitively lifting weights using dumbbells, resistance bands or weight machines; exercises with your own body weight, such as push-ups, sit-ups).” 

Women undergoing treatment should strive for a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise. Image: iStock

The expert recommends performing both activities multiple times a week at a moderate to vigorous intensity.  

“For specific side effects, such as fatigue and emotional distress, there is increasing evidence that body-mind exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, can also be beneficial,” she adds. “An emerging body of evidence is suggesting that sensorimotor/balance exercises are beneficial at counteracting chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathies.”

“Keep in mind, some exercise is better than none! There are some tricks to increase your incidental activity during the day, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking further away from your appointment,” suggests Zopf. 

“It can also help to exercise during a time of the day when you feel most energised or ask friends or family members to join in.”

Some helpful resources for breast cancer patients

If you’re interested in learning more about how diet and exercise could benefit your or a loved one’s cancer treatment, Dr Zopf has a few handy tips on where to start. 

“Where possible, I would recommend patients find an accredited exercise physiologist who has experience working with cancer patients to receive an individualised exercise program and support on how to work towards their goals and integrate exercise into their daily routine,” she says. 

Exercise physiologists will tailor the exercise prescription to the patient’s current health and fitness level and the main complaints that patients are experiencing.

Given some cancers, treatment-related side effects and health conditions – such as bone metastases and osteoporosis – may require adaptations to exercise, consulting with a professional is the best way to ensure a person is approaching exercise in a safe and sustainable way. 

Joining a lineup of experts, Dr Zopf is a panellist in Breast Cancer Trial’s upcoming Q&A on Thursday, November 14th. Find out more about the Q&A and register here. 

Originally published as Everything breast cancer patients need to know about diet and exercise