Physical activity, additional breast cancer events, and mortality among early-stage breast cancer survivors: Findings from the WHEL Study

Lisa A.Cadmus Bertram, Marcia L. Stefanick, Nazmus Saquib, Loki Natarajan, Ruth E. Patterson, Wayne Bardwell, Shirley W. Flatt, Vicky A. Newman, Cheryl L. Rock, Cynthia A. Thomson, John P. Pierce

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

109 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective Research suggests that physical activity is associated with improved breast cancer survival, yet no studies have examined the association between post-diagnosis changes in physical activity and breast cancer outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine whether baseline activity and 1-year change in activity are associated with breast cancer events or mortality. Methods A total of 2,361 post-treatment breast cancer survivors (Stage I-III) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of dietary change completed physical activity measures at baseline and one year. Physical activity variables (total, moderate-vigorous, and adherence to guidelines) were calculated for each time point. Median follow-up was 7.1 years. Outcomes were invasive breast cancer events and all-cause mortality. Results Those who were most active at baseline had a 53% lower mortality risk compared to the least active women (HR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.84; p = .01). Adherence to activity guidelines was associated with a 35% lower mortality risk (HR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.91; p<.01). Neither baseline nor 1-year change in activity was associated with additional breast cancer events. Conclusions Higher baseline (post-treatment) physical activity was associated with improved survival. However, change in activity over the following year was not associated with outcomes. These data suggest that long-term physical activity levels are important for breast cancer prognosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)427-435
Number of pages9
JournalCancer Causes and Control
Volume22
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2011

Keywords

  • Behavior
  • Exercise
  • Lifestyle
  • Recurrence
  • Survival

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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