Exercise shown to promote breast cancer survival

Exercise plays a role in preventing breast cancer, and research strongly suggests that breast cancer patients who are more physically active improve their self-esteem and body image. Now, a landmark study from the Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) finds that exercise after diagnosis may help breast cancer patients live longer. The study appears in the May 25 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
According to lead author BWH researcher Michelle D. Holmes, "It is well established that exercise plays an important role in preventing many diseases, including breast cancer. However, we found that women who are physically active after breast cancer diagnosis may lower their risk of death from breast cancer and cancer recurrence."

The study included almost 3,000 women who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1984 and 1998 and followed by questionnaires until June 2002.