Grant: Project Grant

With improvements in early detection and treatment, survival rates for breast cancer have improved. Unfortunately, breast cancer treatments can cause both short and long term physical and psychological side effects. More specifically, breast cancer survivors are at a higher risk for breast cancer recurrence, second cancers, heart disease, weight gain, bone loss, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Previous research has shown that regular physical activity can improve the physical and psychological function of breast cancer survivors, help manage some short term side effects of treatment and reduce the risk of having a recurrence. However, this research has not been adopted into regular oncology practice because specific exercise advice cannot be provided regarding the type and volume of exercise necessary for improving quality of life and survival of breast cancer survivors. We initiated the Alberta Moving Beyond Breast Cancer cohort study in 2011 with a CIHR Team Grant. The aim is to determine if physical activity can help breast cancer survivors manage the side effects of treatments, enhance quality of life, reduce their risk of disease recurrence and improve survival. Study participants are asked to complete questionnaires, undergo tests for physical fitness tests and lymphedema (swelling in the arms), have their body composition measured (body fat, lean mass, bone density), give a fasting blood sample and wear devices that objectively measure their physical activity and sedentary behavior (time spent sitting) at breast cancer diagnosis and again at 1, 3, and 5 years. They are then followed for breast cancer outcomes. To date, we have recruited 75% of our cohort of 1500 and are now seeking funding to complete the recruitment and follow-up of all participants. A better understanding of precisely how physical activity and physical fitness affect breast cancer recurrence and survival will lead to improvements in exercise recommendations for breast cancer survivors.