Weightlifting Is Good for Breast Cancer Survivors

Contrary to what many cancer survivors have been told in the past, new research now indicates that lifting weights might actually be beneficial to breast cancer survivors. For generations patients have been told to take it easy and avoid exerting themselves because it was long believed that lifting heavy weights could result in pain and swelling in the arms. Now, however, a recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that lifting weights might actually help this problem because of improved muscle tone.

Breast cancer patients who are undergoing surgery or radiation therapy near the armpit often experience a painful condition known as lymphedema, which is characterized by a buildup of fluids when the lymph system is blocked or damaged. The swelling that results usually affects the arms and the legs, and the pain and unsightliness can lead to physical, emotional, and social issues.

In the past, doctors recommended that breast cancer patients coddle the affected area by avoiding activities that would cause undo strain. This included such pursuits as golf, tennis, carrying heavy bags, and even holding their children. Though the advice was given with the best of intentions, it appears now that it may have been a bit misguided, not unlike how heart attack patients were told to not to exercise anymore.

Though the idea has been argued for years, this is the first study with the size, scope and duration to give it clinical relevancy to the notion that not only is exercise not bad for breast cancer survivors, but that it might be beneficial, as well. Breast cancer survivors who were suffering from lymphedema were divided into two sections: one group was told not to change their exercise habits, while the other took part in a 90 minute weightlifting class twice a week for 13 weeks. After the classes, the subjects worked out on their own for an additional 39 weeks.

Monthly arm measurements were taken from both groups. After one year, the weightlifting group experienced fewer lymphedema flare-ups than the non-weightlifting group (14% vs. 29%, respectively). Furthermore, the weightlifters reported greater strength and fewer symptoms, and though this was not measured in the study, it has been implied that the exercise and conditioning might also save money because they resulted in fewer visits to the doctors office for lymphedema flare-ups.

Currently a study is underway to determine if weight training might actually help prevent the initial onset of lymphedema in breast cancer survivors, and the results are expected soon.

The results support the benefits of weight lifting and exercise for many cancer patients, especially in light of the fact that physical activity is known to boost moods, sharpen mental clarity, increase muscle mass, strengthen bones, elevate energy levels, and help to keep weight under control. For the more than 2.4 million breast cancer survivors in this country, it offers a simple and effective way to improve their quality of life.

Before rushing off and hitting the weights, however, you should speak to your physician or a certified fitness professional about where to begin. Start off slow at first, then build up to a more challenging routine. Wear comfortable clothes, and whatever you do, always have fun.

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I'm a stay-at-home-dad who never takes his family or his health for granted.Fred Lee's profile Fred Lee's blog