Breast Cancer

The mechanism of fatigue in radiotherapy isn't known. Frequently, it isn't purely chemo induced, but rather, is due to more than one of the factors outlined above. In people with breast and cancer of the prostate, the National Cancer Institute undertook a randomized controlled study of cancer related fatigue in 38 individuals. 27 were women with breast cancer and 11 were men with cancer of the prostate. All received at least 30 radiation treatments, 5 days a week for six weeks. Baseline tests to evaluate fatigue, strength, and cardiovascular health were performed before the people received radiotherapy. The study compared a half the individuals in the group who followed a workout program to the half who were randomized to receive radiotherapy without exercise therapy. 

The program consisted of moderate, home based use of king bands and walking. Of the participants in the trial, the average age was 60. Half the people received chemotherapy and 84% endured surgery. Participants were enthusiastic and 95% of them completed the prescribed exercise course. The exercise group was required to take walks daily and also to try to increase the number of steps taken every day. They wore pedometers and kept a diary. Additionally, they were assigned to complete 11 resistance band exercises daily, performing one set of eight to 15 repetitions daily and progressively increasing to 3 to four sets. 

Results revealed an 82% increase in the number of steps taken daily and the use of king bands an average of 3 1\/2 days per week for 20 minutes at a moderate intensity level. People who exercised maintained their stamina during radiotherapy and improved their aerobic capacity. In addition, they were ab women walk faster and further in only a month plus they experienced less cancer related fatigue than the control group. In fact, the control subjects showed a decline in their basic muscle strength.

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