Physical Activity After Breast Cancer: Effect on Survival and Patient-Reported Outcomes

Here we discuss ongoing studies and recently published evidence on the effect of physical activity for women previously diagnosed with breast cancer. Generally consistent evidence was found for beneficial effects of physical activity on breast cancer survival across 21 observational studies and one phase II exploratory trial. An increasing number of exercise trials are investigating biological mediators of these effects. Substantial evidence exists of benefits to patient-reported outcomes and health-related fitness but important questions remain, including: the optimum type, dose, and timing of physical activity to be done during and post-treatment; whether late-stage and/or metastatic patients can also benefit; and how well treatment-related complications can be alleviated. Large prospective cohort studies will be informative, ideally using accelerometer measurements and assessment of sedentary behavior. Despite gaps in knowledge, there is sufficient evidence regarding feasibility, safety, and efficacy to recommend physical activity as a complementary adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.