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Sport helps against the side effects of hormone therapy in breast cancer
The treatment of breast cancer often has serious side effects. Researchers have now found that a combination of strength training and 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week can significantly reduce the side effects of hormone therapy drugs and reduce the risk of recurrence of breast cancer.
Researchers at Syracuse University in New York found in a study that weekly weight training and aerobic activity significantly reduce the side effects of hormone therapy drugs and the onset of breast cancer. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Obesity Journal".
Sport reduces the likelihood of recurrence of breast cancer
If sufferers perform a combination of strength training and 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (such as brisk walking or jogging) every week, this reduces the likelihood of recurrence, say the authors. The side effects of the drugs used in hormone therapies (aromatase inhibitors or aromatase inhibitors) are reduced.
Many survivors of breast cancer rely on hormone therapy
Because most breast cancers are hormone-receptor positive, they need estrogen or progesterone to grow and spread throughout the body, the experts explain. Survivors of breast cancer would often rely on hormone therapy to prevent the disease from returning, the researchers said.
Unfortunately, therapy often leads to bone loss or joint pain
However, such a treatment can be quite a double-edged sword because it often leads to bone loss or severe joint pain. These unpleasant side effects are especially common if the sufferer is obese or overweight.
Increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis
Among other things, the side effects increase the risk of fractures and osteoporosis in women. In addition, further risks arise for so-called comorbid chronic diseases and a recurrence of cancer, explains Prof. Gwendolyn Thomas from Syracuse University in a press release.
Many people stop their therapy too soon
Because of the side effects, almost 40 percent of breast cancer survivors stop taking so-called aromatase inhibitors long before the usual five-year treatment period expires. This will increase the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence, adds the physician.
Sporting program went over the period of one year
An intervention of obesity in women could help them to continue urgently needed treatment, the researchers report. During the study, the participants had two sessions of weight training and 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (jogging or walking fast) performed weekly. This treatment then lasted for a period of one year.
Sport and exercise should become a regular part of the therapy
We were able to see a significant decrease in the percent body fat and the body mass index (BMI) through the exercise program, the authors explain. The changes not only have clinical benefits, but also suggest that the exercise of such a sports program in conjunction with aromatase inhibitors should become part of the regular treatment, says Prof. Thomas. (As)