Effects of an exercise programme on women with breast cancer. v 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the effects of an exercise programme on women with breast cancer
IRAS ID
187309
Contact name
Ruth A. McCrea
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
15.0173, St George's University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
Following a breast cancer diagnosis, women have to learn to adapt with the consequences of their treatment. Cancer-related fatigue, loss of physical function, nausea, hair loss and weight gain are just some of these effects.
There is considerable evidence emerging, suggesting exercise ( exercise and physical activity will be quoted interchangeably) plays an important role in improvements in physical function, quality of life and cancer-related fatigue. There is also evidence that exercise can reduce the risk of recurrence and this is strongest in breast, colorectal and prostate cancers.
Despite the benefits of exercise following a diagnosis of breast cancer, women reduce their amount of physical activity during treatment and afterwards. There is limited knowledge why cancer sufferers disengage with physical activity. What health practitioners need to focus on and where further research is needed is how to initiate change in behaviour towards physical activity and exercise. There is limited understanding of how to encourage people to be more active.
Previous studies have suggested that exercising in a group with women with a similar health diagnosis and led by a specialist can help women to adhere to exercising.
This study aims to explore the benefits of an exercise programme. 8-12 participants will be recruited within the breast unit to attend 6-8 weekly sessions of an exercise programme run by a trained sports therapist.
Interviews will be conducted prior to the sessions and afterwards by a researcher to gain further understanding of what helps and encourages women to adjust their lifestyle and incorporate exercise into it.
The study is intended to help the healthcare practitioners within the breast unit to incorporate exercise into the women's cancer pathway and what interventions will best lead women to start exercising on a more regular basis.REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NE/0360
Date of REC Opinion
6 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion