Imagine a world where patients with advanced breast cancer not only fight the disease but also gain strength and balance through exercise. It's a controversial idea, but one that's gaining traction and could revolutionize cancer care.
Today, we're delving into a groundbreaking study presented at the Advanced Breast Cancer Eighth International Consensus Conference (ABC8), which reveals the incredible impact of supervised training on patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Professor Anne May, a renowned expert in cancer survivorship, has led a team that has proven that aerobic and resistance exercise can significantly enhance physical performance in these patients. But here's where it gets controversial: the study suggests that exercise can improve muscle mass and strength, even in those with metastatic cancer, a group often excluded from such studies.
"Until now, the evidence has been limited, but our study provides a strong case for the benefits of physical exercise," Professor May explains. She highlights the debilitating side effects of cancer treatments, such as fatigue and pain, which, combined with the disease itself, can lead to a decrease in skeletal muscle mass. This, in turn, affects body composition, strength, and overall functional performance.
The PREFERABLE-EFFECT study, the largest of its kind, enrolled 357 patients with stage IV metastatic breast cancer from Europe and Australia. Half received standard care, while the other half embarked on a nine-month exercise program, supervised by trainers twice a week for the first six months. The results were astonishing.
After six months, the exercise group showed significant improvements in physical performance, balance, and muscle strength. Whole-body lean mass, an indicator of muscle mass, increased, while the control group saw a decrease. Muscle mass in the arms and legs also increased significantly, and the skeletal muscle mass index improved, indicating a reduction in frailty.
And this is the part most people miss: the exercise group experienced improved balance, a crucial factor for patients with bone metastases, as it reduces the risk of falls and fractures.
"The results are a call to action," Professor May emphasizes. "Exercise, particularly supervised exercise with a resistance component, should be integrated into standard cancer care for metastatic breast cancer patients."
The ABC Global Alliance is taking this message to heart and will launch a Physical Activity Resource Hub in early 2026, offering personalized and safe exercise guides for patients with different metastasis sites, symptoms, and fitness levels.
Isabelle Aloi-Timeus, a cancer physiotherapist and founder of Salvati AC, a charity dedicated to improving cancer patients' lives, is leading this initiative. She believes in the power of personalized and supervised exercise, stating, "It brings great benefits, but it must be done safely."
Eva Schumacher-Wulf, a patient living with metastatic ABC and editor-in-chief of Mamma Mia!, adds, "Exercise is crucial for quality of life, but we need targeted programs for advanced cancer patients."
Professor Fatima Cardoso, President of the ABC Global Alliance, concludes, "Professor May's research empowers patients. It's a step forward in finding the right balance between quantity and quality of life for those living with advanced breast cancer."
So, what do you think? Can exercise be a game-changer in cancer care? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
