Everyone knows exercise is good for us. But what about for someone who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer? Side effects from treatment for breast cancer, such as lymphedema or fatigue, make women question whether exercise is safe and feasible during and following breast cancer treatment. A QUT study showed that nine in ten breast cancer patients experience at least one significant adverse treatment effect. These side effects can significantly influence a patients’ health, fitness and quality of life.
The S.A.F.E study seeks to learn more about whether exercise is safe, feasible and beneficial for the 50% of women who are diagnosed with stage II+ breast cancer and, the majority of whom currently do not meet recommended weekly physical activity levels.
Participants in the S.A.F.E study will receive an individually-tailored exercise program and will be provided with their own Exercise Physiologist for a 12-week intervention period. The Exercise Physiologist will meet with participants in the convenience of their own home or preferred location.
The study is currently underway and we have reached our target goal of 60 participants. We will have results available in 2018.
For anyone interested in hearing more about the study email safe@qut.edu.au
The study was recently featured on Michelle Bridges website in the article ‘Breast cancer and exercise’