Exercise after treatment for breast cancer: Effects on quality of life

Abstract

Whilst the incidence of breast cancer is high, survival is good and has improved significantly over the past 30 years. A diagnosis of breast cancer can be a life-changing event for women and treatment can be intense and prolonged; this can have a detrimental effect on QoL. Exercise may be a means by which the QoL of cancer survivors can be improved. Evidence from numerous trials have shown that many of the physical, functional and emotional effects that are typically experienced by women after treatment for breast cancer may be ameliorated, at least in the short term, through participation in regular exercise, regardless of mode or setting. However, despite considerable advancements in this field, we must remain cognizant that we have a long way to go and many questions remain unanswered. There is still a need for larger trials of high methodological quality that include long-term follow-up. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010. All rights reserved.