Aerobic exercises, resistance training key to reduce breast cancer recurrence: Study

A new study reveals that combining aerobic exercise with resistance training can significantly reduce breast cancer recurrence risks. Researchers found that consistent workouts lower inflammation markers linked to cancer progression. The study recommends moderate-to-high intensity aerobic sessions 2-3 times weekly, supplemented with resistance exercises. While exact mechanisms are still under study, the findings highlight exercise as a key factor in post-treatment recovery.

"Three markers of inflammation were significantly reduced by consistent exercise, which is a very encouraging result." – Francesco Bettariga, ECU

Aerobic exercises, resistance training key to reduce breast cancer recurrence: Study

New Delhi, March 29: Indulging in moderate- to high-intensity aerobic exercises twice to three times weekly, with resistance training added in a few times per week, may potentially reduce the recurrence rate of breast cancer, according to new research.

Key Points

1 Moderate-high intensity aerobic exercise lowers recurrence risks

2 Resistance training reduces pro-inflammatory biomarkers

3 Chronic inflammation linked to cancer progression

4 Study suggests 2-3 weekly aerobic sessions plus resistance training

While aerobic exercises like swimming, running, and climbing stairs, resistance training includes pushups and bench presses.

Researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia said that despite the advances made in breast cancer treatment, recurrence remains common and continues to contribute to higher mortality risks.

In more aggressive cancers, the risk of recurrence can be as high as between 20 per cent and 30 per cent.

The study found that a combination of resistance exercise and aerobic exercise could reduce pro-inflammatory biomarkers caused by various cancer treatments.

"The treatment of breast cancer, which can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or endocrine therapy, could increase inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation may increase the risk of the recurrence of breast cancer, as inflammation may promote cancer cell progression and development," said Francesco Bettariga, ECU doctoral student.

In the paper, published in JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Bettariga and team investigated the effects of exercise in women with non-metastatic breast cancer.

"Our research found that three markers of inflammation were significantly reduced by consistent exercise, which is a very encouraging result," Bettariga said.

While the exact mechanisms behind the reduction in inflammation are still being examined, Bettariga noted that one theory being examined is that exercise results in the body's muscles releasing a chemical that could reduce inflammation.

Another working theory is that the reduction in inflammation markers could be a result of increases in muscle mass and reductions in the body, as both could contribute to modulating inflammation.

"While there are currently no guidelines on how much exercise to do, we would suggest moderate- to high-intensity aerobic exercises twice to three times weekly, with resistance training added in a few times per week," Bettariga said.

https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/aerobic-exercises-resistance-training-key-reduce-breast-cancer-recurrence-962