Exercise and Breast Cancer Recurrence

Exercise can have a real impact for women with breast cancer. In fact, it can help reduce the risk for recurrence.

Sign up for IN YOUR CORNER™

Celebration Chain

Exercise

Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.

According to a study published the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2005, women diagnosed with early breast cancer who exercised more than 3 hours each week experienced a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence than women who exercised less than 3 hours a week. Even moderate amounts of exercise — like a half-hour walk every day — may increase a woman’s odds of surviving breast cancer by as much as 20%.

How might exercise help prevent a breast cancer recurrence?
How much is enough?
Exercise do’s and don’ts

How might exercise help prevent a breast cancer recurrence?

One of the reasons exercise may be beneficial is that it reduces your level of body fat. This, in turn, can lower the amount of estrogen in your body. And it’s been shown that estrogen can be linked to a recurrence of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. While exercise can help you stay fit and add to your overall well-being, it’s not a substitute for your medicine. If you’re on a daily medication to help prevent recurrence, remember to take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Back to top

How much is enough?

While the American Cancer Society recommends moderate activity for 30 minutes or more, 5 or more days per week, if you’re just getting started after treatment, you’ll want to take it slow and build up as you are able to.

First, talk to your doctor about an exercise program that fits your current fitness level and goals. He or she may recommend that you begin with moderate aerobic exercise to increase your heart rate and help you gain stamina. For women recovering from breast cancer, weight training may also be a good idea to target the muscle groups of the chest, back, arms, abdomen, and legs.

If you’re not ready for a regular exercise regimen, remember that any physical activity is better than none. Set small goals at first — a 15-minute walk or 10 minutes on the stationary bike. Add on more time only when you feel ready.

Back to top

Exercise do’s and don’ts

DO

  • Do
    Pace the floor while talking on the phone
  • Do
    Skip the elevator; take the stairs
  • Do
    Park your car away from the store
  • Do
    Walk the dog or a neighbor’s dog
  • Do
    Dance around the house while dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming

DON'T

  • Don't
    Start exercising without checking with your doctor first
  • Don't
    Think that exercise is just about running or joining a gym; it doesn’t have to be
  • Don't
    Overdo it (instead, start with 15 minutes 3 or 4 days a week)
  • Don't
    Make it boring or a chore; keep it fun — choose an activity you enjoy
  • Don't
    Go it alone (bring a friend)

Back to top