Fatigue, the fear of getting hurt, of not being able to do it, effects of the treatments… Physical exercise during breast cancer sometimes seems insurmountable for patients tired from the treatments. But the importance of moving during and after illness is an increasingly mainstream message. “In general, patients are aware and feel more able to exercise to ensure that their treatments and post-treatments go as smoothly as possible, but there are still awareness efforts to be made,” observes Lilian Caillet, professor of l ‘adapted physical activity (APA), which supports patients affected by breast cancer in Vivalto, a private medical-sports center in the hospitals of Rennes.
Once you have taken the deep, physical activity has a positive influence on women with breast cancer and survivors of the disease. Regular exercise reduces abdominal mass and decreases the levels of hormones involved in tumor growth (such as estrogen, insulin and adipokines), which helps to slow down its progression, he explains. insert on his site. The well-known anti-inflammatory effect of exercise also plays a role in slowing tumor development.
What are the benefits of sports during and after breast cancer treatment?
Implementation as soon as possible from the diagnosis, to the beginning and throughout the treatmentthe practice improves patients’ quality of life. “Physical activity acts physiologically as an ultra-beneficial medicine in addition to treatments”, describes Lilian Caillet “It reduces side effects related to treatments that can be better tolerated, for example, reducing nausea, fatigue , stress, risk to improve sleep.
Sport also preserves muscle mass at the expense of fat mass. Thus, it not only prevents muscle deconditioning, it limits variations in weight and body composition and associated effects (increased risk of recurrence, mortality, poorer response to treatment, etc.).
Another significant virtue, physical activity increases the cardio-respiratory capacity (Vo2 max, a tool for measuring endurance), which decreases under the effect of the disease, underlines the National Cancer Institute.
Where treatments and physical inactivity weaken the body, leading to physical deconditioning and loss of autonomy, appropriate exercise breaks this vicious circle. “Reduces the risk of relapse, increases life expectancy and reduces overall mortality“, assures the APA educator. Post-cancer benefits highlighted in the scientific literature. The practice “after the diagnosis of breast cancer reduces the risk of recurrence by 24%, and the risk of death by 28% for cancer “, points. the cancer research foundation.
Breast cancer: keep moving despite fatigue
The virtues of exercise to fight the disease are without doubt, but these arguments sometimes collide with the reality of daily life for patients, overwhelmed by treatments. “Women undergoing chemotherapy often say they don’t want to move because they feel too tired. In reality, everyone who exercises feels less tired, so it’s good to force yourself to move, for example by going for a walk even 10 minutes or 20 minutes,” encourages our expert.
Sport and breast cancer: recommended support for an appropriate physical program
During the illness, the adaptation of the sports sessions is the key word. Exercise is beneficial until it is adapted to physical abilities and medical background of the peace That is why it is important to be supervised and accompanied by a teacher in adapted physical activities (APA) to benefit from a program that takes into account the patient’s abilities, the care protocol followed and the way in which the body responds to treatments. “The APA professor will be able to adapt the activity according to chemotherapy sessions and side effects, experienced differently from one patient to another,” explains Lilian Caillet.
In post-breast cancer too, returning to an APA educator is a winning strategy to get back on track (especially if you were inactive during treatment) and resume good habits without risk of injury. “This support phase of a few months is useful to gently and gradually strengthen the body and regain its abilities before practicing in full autonomy,” believes Lilian Caillet.
What type of exercise is recommended during and after the illness?
The activity routine should be mixed, that is, combining both muscle strengthening exercises but also cardio activities that stimulate cardio-respiratory abilities. “We favor any type of activity that tones the upper and lower body and works on resistance The important thing is that we enjoy the activity and that we practice it in the long term.
In the case of a mastectomy (removal of the breast), the strengthening and mobilization of the affected area, especially the shoulder and the arm, are important, but the rest of the body will not be neglected. Another example, among people over 60 affected by cancer, the emphasis will be placed on the strength of the lower body with the aim of preventing the loss of autonomy.
What is the right amount of physical activity during and after breast cancer?
In terms of duration, the recommendations for physical activity are similar to those for healthy adults: a practice of 30 minutes a day cardio-respiratory activity of moderate intensity (where shortness of breath is moderate but it is still possible to hold a conversation) to high, at least 5 days a weekaccording to the National Cancer Institute.
“U regularity it is essential, it is better to practice regularly a little every day than to do a single session on the weekend, “recommends Lilian Caillet. In your schedule, if you feel able, it is possible to add short periods of high-intensity aerobic exercise. activity ( with oxygen consumption).
What activities should be prioritized after breast cancer?
After treatment, as we have seen, practicing gentle or moderate activity favors recovery, strengthening and preventing recurrence. Engaging in a collective activity allows you to benefit from the group effect, a vector of social location and motivation. Not inspired? Lilian Caillet shares some examples of beneficial disciplines:
- walking: a universal and accessible activity, the level of which can be easily adjusted.
- rowing, indoor rowing, dragon rowing, fencing… These activities aimed at the upper body are particularly interesting after a mastectomy or a problem of lymphedema in the arm (the lymph stagnates and accumulates in the tissues). They gently mobilize the arms and shoulders and promote natural drainage in the injured area.
- Nordic walking: a complete sport that combines the benefits of walking and strengthening the upper body with poles. The accessory is also practical to prevent falls.
- along the coast: This walk in the water allows you to work with water resistance, drains and tones the muscle tissue.
- gentle gym: gentle muscle strengthening suitable for everyone.
Breast cancer and physical activity: who do you turn to to find a place to practice?
The first instinct is to ask with a sports-health center near the house (there are more than 400 throughout France that guide the sick who are away from sports). “This will be directed towards an association or organization with a sports offer aimed at cancer patients or towards APA educators.”
We also look at the side of departmental committees of the League against Cancer some provide free exercise sessions to patients suffering from or being treated for cancer.
Some associations affiliated to the FFEPGV Federazione Sportiva-Salute, also provides Gym after the cancer workshop.