Exercise effects on mood in breast cancer patients

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and statistics reveal that the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer in South Africa is increasing. As such, medical practitioners will treat an increasing number of breast cancer patients. Although increasingly effective treatments improve patient survival intervals, a significant number of patients experience psychological distress, at the time of diagnosis and sometimes well beyond the start of treatment. This can be attributed to the disease itself and to treatment side-effects. Historically, patients experiencing such distress have been treated with pharmacotherapy or have been referred for psychotherapeutic intervention. Although it is well known that physical exercise is beneficial to physical health, only recently, and comparatively, has the effect of exercise been recognised as beneficial to psychological well-being. Cancer patients are often advised to reduce physical activity to avoid cancer-related fatigue. Paradoxically, recent research shows that physical exercise, of the type and intensity appropriate for the ability of each patient, can in fact play a significant role in improving mood and aiding physical recovery. This opens up a valuable additional resource to augment patients’ quality of life, both physically and psychologically. One precaution stands vitally important, however: the prescribed exercise regimen must be tailored to the physical capabilities of the patient.

Experiences of patients undergoing chemotherapy - a qualitative study of adults attending Uganda Cancer Institute

“…The interviewed patients described how they dealt with the side effects of chemotherapy in a number of ways. The findings presented in the theme 'actively dealing with discomfort' are in line with those of a study carried out in South Africa 12 , which revealed that physical activity exerted a positive effect on mood and also alleviated symptoms of psychological distress in cancer patients. Furthermore, in our study, patients shared that they took supplementary drugs to reduce or prevent the impact of side effects; however, they did not appear to clearly understand what supplementary drugs they took or what effects they had.…”

Effects of physical activity on depressive symptoms during breast cancer survivorship: a meta-analysis of randomised control trials

“…While some studies have used exercise interventions where the main goal was fitness improvement and required access to facilities or equipment, other studies referred to different forms of physical exertion of moderate physical activity, such as home-based walking regimes or even occupational and household activities. 14 17 …”

“…It helps them to reduce specific side effects of treatment, for example, weakness and depressive symptoms, and it has been shown to increase survival rates and decrease the risk of cancer reappearance. 14 In fact, major health organisations recommend that cancer survivors should have at least 150 min of moderate-intensity or 75 min of high-intensity exercise combined with a minimum of two strengthening exercise sessions on a weekly basis. 6 …”

Physical activity and sociodemographic variables related to global health, quality of life, and psychological factors in breast cancer survivors

“… 7 However, physical activity is a non-pharmacologic, safe, feasible, and relatively low-cost alternative for depression management among women with breast cancer. 8 Increased physical activity levels may reduce depressive symptoms 9 and, thus, improve QoL throughout survivorship. 10 …”