Top Exercises That Improve Quality of Life for People with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Exercise can help improve quality of life for people with metastatic breast cancer, according to a new study published in Nature Medicine.

The study found that, in addition to improving quality of life, getting regular exercise could also help reduce fatigue for people with metastatic breast cancer. As part of the study, the participants wore a tracker to report their activity levels. Each person was randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group worked with exercise professionals to do structured activity routines. These included aerobic, balance, and resistance exercises. For comparison, the other group did their usual physical activities. They did not have structured or supervised exercise routines as part of the study.

“Many studies have shown that exercise helps improve quality of life and symptoms, especially fatigue, in people with cancer. However, most of those studies have been done in patients who have early-stage, non-metastatic cancer. This study is one of a few studies that have shown that exercise can help improve fatigue and quality of life specifically in people with metastatic cancer,” said Norah Lynn Henry, MD, PhD, FASCO, an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) expert and interim Division Chief of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Michigan.

Does exercise help metastatic breast cancer?

People being treated for metastatic breast cancer frequently experience side effects such as fatigue. A common side effect is lymphedema, a build up of fluid in tissues that causes swelling. Another side effect is peripheral neuropathy. Due to this nerve damage, people feel numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. All of these side effects can be difficult to live with.

Getting regular physical activity is one way to help reduce these cancer-related side effects. Exercise can increase your energy. It can also improve your balance and muscle strength. This, in turn, can make your everyday tasks easier and help you feel better along the way.

Dr. Henry notes, however, that it’s important to consider where your cancer is located before starting any new exercise. For example, if the cancer has spread to your spine, leg bone, or hip, you may need to adjust certain exercises to avoid injury. That’s why it’s so crucial to talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise plan. Your doctor can also recommend a trainer who is experienced in helping people with cancer.

Another option is cancer rehabilitation, or rehab. Many cancer centers and hospitals offer cancer rehab services, usually on an outpatient basis. The professionals involved in caring for people in cancer rehab can help develop a specialized activity plan for you. The goal is to improve your ability to move and function, keeping you as active and independent as possible.

3 exercises that can help people with metastatic breast cancer

Being physically active can be challenging after a cancer diagnosis and when going through treatment. Experts recommend starting slowly and building up. Before starting any new type of exercise, remember to check with your doctor. Then, go at a pace that feels right for you.

“I think one of the key things to keep in mind is to start slowly and gradually increase your activity level if you haven’t been very active,” said Dr. Henry. “It can take a while to regain stamina, and it’s incredibly easy to get frustrated if you try to ramp up your activity level too quickly and then end up taking days to recover.”

Here are 3 types of exercise you may want to try:

1. Walking. Walking can be very helpful if you’re dealing with fatigue. “I think patients fear that when they are tired, doing exercise will make them more tired,” said Dr. Henry. “However, the opposite seems to be true. Many studies have shown that exercise helps improve symptoms, especially fatigue.” Start by taking a short walk, even for just a few minutes. Over time, as you start to feel better, you can add to how far and how long you walk.
2. Stretching your pectoral muscles. The pectoral muscles, or “pecs,” are a group of upper body muscles. They connect the chest to the shoulders and arms. Pecs are important for upper body strength and everyday motions like pushing and reaching. For people with lymphedema, gentle stretching of the pectoral muscles can help by increasing the flow of lymph fluid. You can stretch your pecs by reaching both arms across a doorway and then gently leaning forward through the doorway.
3. Balance exercises. Peripheral neuropathy can make it harder to maintain your balance, which can lead to falls and possible injuries. An exercise that can help is standing on one foot at a time. In another simple exercise, imagine you’re a tightrope walker. Place one foot directly in front of the other while taking each step like you’re on a high wire. If you need to, you can hold on to a chair for support while doing these balance exercises.

Learn more about exercise and cancer treatment from the American Cancer Society:

• Physical Activity and the Person With Cancer
• Moving Through Cancer: A Guide to Getting and Staying Active During Cancer Treatment (PDF)
• What to Expect from Cancer Rehabilitation
• Tips to Stay Active

Dr. Henry is an Associate Editor on ASCO’s Patient Information Editorial Board.