Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Program in Improving Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Feasibility of a Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Program in Survivors of Breast Cancer

RATIONALE: A breast cancer rehabilitation program and exercise therapy may help improve the quality of life of breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: This clinical trial studies a breast cancer rehabilitation program in improving quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To estimate accrual, retention, adherence, and participation of breast cancer survivors to a breast cancer rehabilitation program.

II. To estimate the variability of weight, six-minute walk, quality of life and other psychosocial and physical measures in women participating in the BCRP.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To assess changes in the anthropometric, psychosocial, and physical outcomes over the six-month period of the BCRP.

II. To document the types and the rates of adverse events associated with the BCRP.

OUTLINE:

Patients attend exercise therapy sessions over 1 hour 3 times a week for 6 months. Exercise therapy sessions are comprised of a 10 minute warm-up of light stretching and aerobic type exercise (walking, cycling), 30 minutes of endurance type exercise (cycle, walking), and 20 minutes of resistance training exercise.

Inclusion

• First occurrence of breast cancer
• BMI >= 25
• Recently completed treatment(chemotherapy/radiation) for breast cancer (=< 8 weeks), but can be receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy
• Willing to comply with study visits, as outlined in the protocol
• Lives within 30 miles of study site, or willing to travel to study site if outside a 30-mile radius
• Ability to participate in a moderate exercise program, such as freedom from any orthopedic abnormalities that would prevent participation
• Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion

• Unstable angina
• Cardiac conduction disturbances
• Plans to move from the study area
• Dementia that is medically documented or suspected
• Advanced arterial disease causing ischemia of any limb
• Physical immobility
• Homebound for medical reasons
• Dependent on wheelchair for mobility
• Chronic disease which significantly reduces 4-year survival
• Recurrent breast cancer