Published online Aug 10, 2014. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i3.406
Revised: March 12, 2014
Accepted: May 28, 2014
Published online: August 10, 2014
Processing time: 219 Days and 15.3 Hours
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, but fortunately has high survival rates. Many studies have been performed to investigate the effects of exercise in patients diagnosed with breast cancer. There is evidence that exercise after the diagnosis of breast cancer improves mortality, morbidity, health related quality of life, fatigue, physical functioning, muscle strength, and emotional wellbeing. Based on scientific data, breast cancer patients should be recommended to participate in rehabilitation programs including aerobic and strength training. The aim of this article is to review the recently published data on the effect of exercise in patients with breast cancer in order to present the current perspective on the topic.
Core tip: Exercise is not merely safe and feasible for breast cancer patients, but is moreover a complementary treatment for achieving physiological and psychological improvements. Drawing clinicians’ attention to this issue is important for improving patients’ quality of life. We advise a multidisciplinary approach to encourage breast cancer patients into engaging in rehabilitation programs combining both strengthening and aerobic exercises for the most beneficial results.