I have been very fortunate to be a participant in an exercise study for breast cancer survivors for the last 23 months. The study just ended and the preliminary results are significant. Looking at bone density, and the impact of exercise looks very positive. The study was funded by the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org and the Komen foundation. www.komen.org.
Two groups were randomized, one attending a stretching, yoga class and the other a strength training class. The exercise results from both groups show very positive health improvements. Total body mass reduction, flexibility increases, less falls and bone density level gains.
Besides all the numerical health benefits, the emotional and personal gains are outstanding. To be a part of a land mark study that is pro active for your own health, and help other women going through breast cancer in the future is an honor. I was able to exercise with a good friend and become friends with other women who also happen to be breast cancer survivors. I am stronger than I was 2 years ago in many ways.
Thanks for participating in this study that will help us all. Were you in the yogo or strength training group? Did they find any difference in the two groups? Do you know how long they plan to follow you? Two years probably isn't long enough to get definitive data on recurrence and survival rates, is it? There are so many benefits from exercise that I'm sure all of the participants found it helpful even if they do have a recurrence.
Hi,
I was actually in the control group which was the yoga stetch class. The strength training class was the subject of the study. The study is over. It was only supposed to go for one year but they invited subjects to stay on until all the groups finished which was 23 months. For me, since I was in the first wave of subjects, to continue in a class twice a week for free and to have bone density scans every 6 months and blood work for cancer markers, it was a no brainer!
Bones are slow to respond so one year is needed. The extra data the scientists got from those of us who chose to continue in the study was extra benefits for all of us.
The preliminary data is that exercise is very important. We all know that but the study's findings will put that importance in perspective to other late effects of breast cancer.