Share

Exercise battles bone loss in breast cancer survivors

accreditation
Shutterstock

Aerobics and strength-training exercises may help reduce bone loss and the risk of fractures in breast cancer survivors, a new study suggests.

Bone loss is a serious problem for breast cancer survivors. Treatments such as aromatase inhibitors block the production of oestrogen, a hormone that fuels the growth of many breast cancers. Oestrogen, however, is needed for bone formation.

The researchers also said chemotherapy can trigger early menopause, resulting in low oestrogen levels and bone loss.

This 12-month study included breast cancer survivors who had recently completed treatment. About half of them took part in an aerobic/resistance exercise program three times a week at a fitness centre. The other women were assigned to a control group and given recommendations of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Prescription for health promotion

By the end of the study, the women in the intervention group had more physical endurance, greater muscle mass and lower fat mass than those in the control group, according to the study, which was presented at the annual meeting of the American Institute for Cancer Research, in Bethesda, Maryland. Research presented at meetings should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

"Women who are completing cancer therapy should be getting a strong prescription for health promotion, which includes aerobic-resistance exercise," study author M Tish Knobf, a professor at the Yale School of Medicine, said in an institute news release. "Routine exercise improves muscle strength, balance, quality of life, mood, functional ability and cardiovascular status, and may minimize the risk of bone loss."

Another study presented at the same meeting found that many survivors of breast cancer and other cancers are at risk for low levels of vitamin D, and many will need to take vitamin D supplements. The vitamin helps promote bone health.

"Patients with breast cancer and several other cancers are at increased risk of rapid bone loss and fractures," Dr Bess Dawson-Hughes, director of the Bone Metabolism Laboratory at Tufts University, said in the news release. "While not sufficient to prevent bone loss when taken alone, calcium and vitamin D are very important components of any pharmacologic regimen to minimise bone loss."

More information

The Hormone Health Network has more about breast cancer and bone loss

Picture: Bones from Shutterstock

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE