The Effect of a Home-Based Walking Intervention on Quality of Life, Body Composition, and Estrogen Metabolism in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors
Abstract
Increased incidence of and survival from breast cancer have resulted in growth of the number of women who have survived this disease and are faced with the subsequent consequences. Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are associated with several adverse physical and psychosocial outcomes (e.g., weight gain, reduced physical activity levels, loss of lean body mass, depression, lowered self-esteem). Some of these adverse effects are attenuated after adjuvant treatment ends. However, psychological distress and weight gain may persist, resulting in reduced quality of life and increased risk of recurrence. Physical activity participation may attenuate the adverse effects outlined above and improve hormonal factors that influence breast cancer recurrence (1). Given these benefits, it is remarkable that physical activity programs have not been adapted for breast cancer survivors until very recently. In order for physical activity to be seen as a viable treatment option, and for a change in routine care to occur, its effectiveness must be determined. Accordingly, the objectives of this pilot study are to; 1) quantify the effect of a 12-week home-based walking intervention on quality of life, body composition, and estrogen metabolism in survivors of breast cancer, and 2) develop and test the feasibility of physical activity intervention materials for future studies in this population. We hypothesize that women randomized to the walking intervention will report higher levels of quality of life, experience less weight gain, and have more favorable estrogen metabolite profiles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA410489
Entities
People
- Charles E. Matthews
- Cheryl Derananian
- Sara Wilcox
- Sue Heiney
Organizations
- University of South Carolina