How changes in physical activity relate to fatigue interference, mood, and quality of life during treatment for non-metastatic breast cancer

Abstract

Objective Physical activity (PA) following surgery for breast cancer may improve depressive symptoms and quality of life (QoL) via reduction in fatigue-related daily interference (FRDI). Less is known about how change in PA may relate to these psychosocial factors throughout the course of treatment. In a secondary analysis of a previous psychosocial intervention trial, we examined relationships between change in PA, depressive symptoms, and functional QoL, as mediated by change in FRDI, and whether naturally occurring change in PA provided benefit independent of the intervention. Method Women (N=240) with non-metastatic stage 0-III breast cancer were randomized to Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management (CBSM) or a control 2–10 weeks post-surgery. PA, FRDI, clinician-rated depressive symptoms, self-reported depressed mood, and functional QoL were assessed at baseline and three months post-intervention. Results Increased PA was associated with reductions in clinician-rated depressive symptoms, depressed mood, and improved QoL, mediated by a reduction in FRDI. This was above and beyond the effect of CBSM. Conclusions Increased PA may mitigate FRDI and improve depressive symptoms and functional QoL for women undergoing breast cancer treatment, beyond effects of a psychosocial intervention. Benefits of an integrated PA and psychosocial approach should be investigated further.

Identifying female pelvic cancer survivors with low levels of physical activity after radiotherapy: women with fecal and urinary leakage need additional support

“…We have not found any study reporting the relationship between low physical activity and low quality of life among female pelvic cancer survivors suffering from fecal or urinary leakage. However, among breast cancer survivors, increased physical activity reduced clinician-rated depressed mood and improved quality of life [39]. Furthermore, practicing physical activity was related to reduce depressed mood in non-cancer general populations [40,41].…”

Greater Post-Surgical Pain Predicts Long-Term Depressed Affect in Breast Cancer Patients

“…These interventions may operate on psychological predictors of pain (e.g., pain catastrophizing, symptom management self-efficacy) and promote adaptive coping. Likewise, increased physical activity has been shown to reduce pain and depressive symptoms, and enhance the functional quality of life via decreased fatigue-related interference (Fisher et al, 2017; Irwin et al, 2015). Although speculative, better management of pain symptoms after surgery may also mitigate pro-inflammatory processes which have been associated with depression on the one hand and poorer health outcomes on the other (Antoni & Dhabhar, 2019; Edwards et al, 2011; McGregor & Antoni, 2009).…”

Greater Well-Being in More Physically Active Cancer Patients Who Are Enrolled in Supportive Care Services

“…We also observed fewer cases of anxiety in the more physically active group, although the prevalence differences for anxiety did not reach statistical significance between groups. While a handful of trials report positive associations and effects of PA on mental health in cancer patients, 58,59 and that insufficient PA is associated with depression and anxiety, 60 more robust evidence from systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials reported mild or insignificant changes for depression and anxiety. 56,61,62 We found that perceived social support was superior among more active patients, although the difference between groups was not statistically significant.…”