Treatment-Related Side Effects Associated with Physical Activity in Breast Cancer Survivors

the Cancer Therapy Advisor take:

Sedentary behavior (SED) was associated with increased levels of treatment-related side effects in breast cancer survivors (BCS), according to an article published online in the journal Psycho-Oncology.

In this study, 195 BCS completed questionnaires regarding demographics, medical variables, and treatment-related side effects, such as pain, fatigue, and depression symptoms.

Accelerometers were used to objectively measure levels of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (PA), and SED.

Results showed that the interaction effect of MVPA by SED was significantly related to pain, fatigue, and depression (P=0.02, P=0.01, P=0.006, respectively).

Furthermore, BCS with lower levels of MVPA and higher levels of SED were more likely to have higher levels of pain, fatigue, and depression (P=0.06, P< 0.001, P=0.08, respectively).

Treatment-related side effects were more prevalent in BCS with higher levels of SED and lower levels of MVPA.  However, SED was not significantly associated with fatigue, pain, or depression among survivors with high levels of MVPA.

The study suggests promoting health and physical activity messages as a means of improving management of treatment-related symptoms.