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NEWS RELEASE

April 16, 2004
For immediate release

Contact:
Christa Dickey
cdickey@acsm.org

EXERCISE CRUCIAL IN BREAST CANCER REHABILITATION
Survivors need three-component exercise course to aid in restoring health

ORLANDO – Breast cancer survivors need an exercise program to regain and improve flexibility, strength and endurance as part of the rehabilitation process. Physical activity is now known to be a modifiable risk factor to reduce breast cancer recurrence and mortality, and is solely within the control of the person with the disease, said breast cancer surgeon Carolyn M. Kaelin, M.D., M.P.H., today at the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health & Fitness Summit & Exposition in Orlando.

Results from a recent study illustrate Kaelin’s message, as they indicate moderate amounts of physical activity after a breast cancer diagnosis improve survival and lessen the chance of relapse. A host of other studies has shown a positive relationship between physical activity and the reduction of breast cancer risk in women.

As the median age of the female population increases, so does the prevalence of breast cancer. In 2004, it is estimated there will be 217,440 women and 1,450 men in the U.S. diagnosed with breast cancer, with more than 40,580 combined breast cancer deaths. Physical activity and exercise promotion is most needed among the 43 percent of inactive breast cancer patients.

The range of breast cancer treatments and their effects on the health and rehabilitative needs of the breast cancer survivor vary. Most commonly, patients experience range-of-motion, flexibility and posture limitations as a result of surgery, which stretching helps restore. Chemotherapy may increase the risk of osteoporosis (bone loss) and sarcopenia (muscle deterioration). Because of this, strength training is essential to combat bone loss and rebuild muscular strength. Additionally, weight gain during chemotherapy is common, and is also a risk factor for breast cancer recurrence and mortality. Aerobic (cardiovascular) exercise limits both dangerous weight gain and risk of osteoporosis and sarcopenia.

"The good news is that with early detection and advances in treatment, most survivors outlive their breast cancer. However, lack of physical activity is still a risk factor risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death in American women,” said Kaelin. “The exercise objective is to improve your overall health – reducing breast cancer recurrence, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping the heart fit – so that you are stronger from the day of your diagnosis forward.”

For those who have not previously exercised or are fatigued by treatment, Kaelin prescribes a three-part program, which includes walking with the aid of a pedometer to count daily accumulated steps, stretching to regain shoulder range-of-motion and comfortable up-right posture, and light strength training to avoid muscle deterioration. She notes that breast cancer survivors who exercise together are often more successful in maintaining their program over the long term.

"Both chemotherapy and surgery have profound impacts on the body,” says Kaelin. “After breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, certain motions may be challenging or even impossible to perform, so stretching and strength training need to be personalized to reflect how the body has changed. Treatment-related changes and tailored exercise programs that will enable a woman to resume her daily activities have to be demystified for the breast cancer survivor, trainers and physicians.”

ACSM’s Health & Fitness Summit & Exposition is going on now at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld. For more information on the event, or to speak with staff in the on-site press office, please call 407-235-7247 (through Saturday, April 17).

The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 20,000 International, National and Regional members are dedicated to promoting and integrating scientific research, education and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health and quality of life.

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The American College of Sports Medicine gratefully acknowledges the following Health & Fitness Summit & Exposition sponsors: LifeFitness (Premier Sponsor), Gatorade Sports Science Institute, Gatorade, Reebok (Educational Partner), Amino Vital, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, EAS, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, BSDI, and SPRI Products, Inc.