'I can play with my grandchildren again!'

People with metastatic breast cancer can no longer be cured, but can survive for years to come, thanks to continued treatment. They don't sit around, wanting to live as normally as possible, but are often burdened by the symptoms of their disease or the side effects of treatments. Fatigue, shortness of breath and pain greatly affect their quality of life. For them, exercise can make a big difference. This is evident from a new study, known as the Preferable-Effect project*, which has just been completed and was presented at a breast cancer conference in Vilvoorde to a packed room of doctors and other health care providers active in breast clinics in our country.

New study

This study, funded by Europe, investigated whether women and men with metastatic breast cancer would benefit from an exercise program. The study involved 357 patients with metastatic breast cancer. Most had metastases in the bones. Some included men. Half of the participants received an active exercise program under the guidance of a physiotherapist, including both aerobic activities (walking, cycling on an exercise bike, etc.) and strength training. The other half received the regular advice, and were also encouraged to be active. The results were very encouraging.

Results

Those who exercised twice a week under supervision suffered less from their disease and the side effects of their treatment. They were less tired, had less pain and better stamina. As a result, the patients experienced a better quality of life. The participants in this study were very satisfied. The better condition sometimes made a big difference. One participant excitedly reported being able to care for her grandchildren again. The researchers do recommend that breast cancer patients exercise under the supervision of a physical therapist who specializes in counseling cancer patients (an oncology physical therapist). For example, the study included many patients with metastases in the bones, but excluded those with unstable metastases in the bones.

The results the Preferable Project have been so good that this study has now been started in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

*https://www.h2020preferable.eu