New Study Finds Weight-lifting Eases Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema - Yahoo! News

By
Rebecca
V. Snowden

A slowly progressive
weight-lifting program may help some breast
cancer
survivors ease the symptoms of lymphedema,
according to a new study from the University of Pennsylvania.

to the more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United

Lymphedema, or swelling due to
the buildup of lymph fluid, can occur at any time after treatment for
breast cancer—even many years later. Symptoms include a
feeling of tightness in the arm or hand on the same side that was
treated for breast cancer, leathery skin texture, heaviness, pain,
pitting, and difficulty writing. Many women worry weight-lifting and
everyday activities such as picking up their kids or carting around
grocery bags can bring on those symptoms.

This study suggests women may
be doing themselves a disservice by letting fear keep them from certain
activities and exercises.

"If your lymph nodes are
removed because of breast cancer treatment, you suffer impairment in
your ability to respond to infection, trauma, injury, and inflammation.
Exercise improves the body's response to those 4 things," said lead
researcher Kathryn H. Schmitz, PhD, MPH, from the Center for Clinical
Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Pennsylvania.

Evidence that exercise helps

Schmitz and her colleagues
recruited 141 women with stable lymphedema and a history of breast
cancer. Half were assigned to a controlled, weight-lifting exercise
program that met twice weekly for 90 minutes over 13 weeks. The women
were required to wear a custom-fitted compression sleeve on the
affected arm during exercise and started with low-weight resistance
(about 1 to 2 pounds). They were closely monitored for changes in the
affected arm. The amount of weight they lifted was increased gradually
if the lymphedema symptoms did not worsen.

Over the course of the study,
the majority of the women in the weight-lifting group had increased
their strength and reduced symptoms of lymphedema. The number of women
who saw their swelling increase was about the same in both groups (11%
in the weight-lifting group and 12% in the control group). There were
no serious side effects reported in either group.

"Our study shows that
participating in a safe, structured weight-lifting routine can help
women with lymphedema take control of their symptoms and reap the many
rewards that resistance training has on their overall health as they
begin life as a cancer survivor," Schmitz said.

However, experts are concerned
that women will read this study and go out on their own and start
lifting weights, potentially doing themselves harm.

Start slowly

"This study demonstrates the
importance of exercise after cancer treatment, and it also highlights
the importance of doing it safely. Women should talk their doctor
before starting any exercise program and start slowly," said Colleen
Doyle, MS, RD, American Cancer Society, Director, Nutrition and
Physical Activity.

Schmitz also stresses the
importance of starting slowly and using proper form.

"Work with a well-trained
certified fitness professional to begin weight training. Do not try to
start this kind of program on your own. Your trainer should start you
with very light weights. If you do that for a week and you aren't
seeing any problems, increase your resistance, but do it in very small
increments," she says. "Train with a physical therapist or a certified
fitness professional who specializes in lymphedema or working with
cancer patients."

In February 2009, the American
College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) announced a new certification
designed specifically for health and fitness professionals interested
in working with cancer survivors. It was funded by a grant from the
American Cancer Society and developed with experts from both ACSM and
ACS.

This specialty certification
will allow cancer patients and survivors to find fitness professionals
who can help them exercise safely and achieve their exercise goals
while they are undergoing treatment and after they have completed
treatment.

"Previously, there were no
nationwide quality standards for fitness professionals working with
cancer survivors. We hope this certification will help point cancer
patients to people and organizations sensitive to their needs," said
Colleen Doyle, MS, RD, American Cancer Society, Director, Nutrition and
Physical Activity.

In addition to regular
exercise, it's important to eat right. Doyle recommends aiming for at
least 5 or more servings of vegetables and fruits each day, choosing
whole grain foods instead of white flour and sugars, and limiting meats
that are high in fat.

"One of the most important
goals a cancer survivor can set post-treatment is to live a healthy
lifestyle," Doyle says.

The research was conducted in
partnership with YMCAs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The findings are
published in the August 13, 2009 issue of The New England Journal of
Medicine.

To find a certified trainer in
your area, visit ACS
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