Study Shows Physical Activity Eases Chemo Brain for Breast Cancer Survivors

Researchers from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine reported an initial study conducted on breast cancer survivors in order to demonstrate the association between an increase in physical activity and mental processing speed. All participants were between the ages of 21 and 86 as well as diagnosed and treated for breast cancer just five years prior to participating in the study. 

For one week, all the women wore accelerometers on their hips to measure their levels of physical activity and compare them at the beginning and end of the study. The participants were divided into two groups: one control, and one where 44 women were enrolled in a three-month exercise program that was customized according to the ability of each woman. This program focused on information related to stress levels, healthy eating, and the women’s health, including their overall brain health. This data was collected to provide feedback and encourage engagement in moderate to strenuous physical exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.

Assistant professor in the department of family and preventive medicine Sheri Hartman stated that, irrespective of whether they received chemotherapy or not, breast cancer survivors experienced a decline in brain function, including thinking, concentration, and memory. The cognitive processing speed and perceived mental abilities improved in the women who participated in the physical activity intervention. This indicates that, among breast cancer survivors, exercise could be a way to improve cognition.

The study is unique in that it used a self-reported technique and a computer-based cognition test to analyze the overall influence of physical activity on breast cancer survivors.

The women in the exercise program demonstrated a doubled improvement in mental processing speed. Also, the improvement in cognitive ability was three times greater than the control group. Longer and larger clinical trials are recommended by the researchers to further improve cognitive aspects and speed up mental processing. These clinical trials look to determine the duration of physical activity necessary for the benefits.

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are several other ways you can benefit from exercise:

• It lowers the risk of recurrence, as well as stroke and heart attack
• The side effects of treatment are lessened
• Loss of muscle tone is reduced
• Sleeping patterns and mobility are improved
• Bones become healthier
• Energy and strength increase
• Mental wellbeing and overall mood improve

Several factors such as lifestyle choices, genetics, and surrounding environment can increase the risk of breast cancer, but there are various ways these can be reduced. According to statistics, the risk of breast cancer can be lessened by 10%–20% with regular physical activity. It can also benefit survivors in the following ways:

• Better weight control 

• Reduction in fatigue
• Reduced anxiety
• Improved muscle strength and cardiovascular health
• Reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence 

Researchers recommend 150 minutes of exercise on a weekly basis, so strive to get moving even if you have difficulty. Try to exercise for 3–4 hours each week, that is, 20–30 minutes per day. It is better to do some activity here and there rather than doing no activity at all.