Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Though long-term survival rates are steadily rising, patients continue to face persistent symptoms and side-effects after diagnosis and treatment. These may include fatigue, cognitive problems, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and pain, all of which may persist for many years, negatively impacting quality of life.
Unfortunately, it is common for patients to decrease their physical exercise after diagnosis and during treatment. In addition, while studies have found that exercise does increase after treatment, it seldom returns to pre-diagnosis levels. Furthermore, traditional modes of exercise (e.g., walking, cycling) are usually prescribed, but long term adherence rates tend to be quite low.
Studies done at the Wilmot Cancer Center compared psychosocial support to Tai Chi, and found that Tai Chi was more successful in improving survivors’ self-esteem and quality of life. The 2006 study also compared functional improvement, and found that survivors practicing Tai Chi improved heart and lung function, muscular strength, and flexibility when compared to the psychosocial support group. The Tai Chi group even experienced a slight reduction in body fat!
A 2008 study compared the efficacy of Tai Chi intervention with a psychosocial control group (which included traditional exercise) on aerobic capacity, muscular strength, flexibility, and quality of life. The Tai Chi group demonstrated significant improvement in all of these areas, while the control group showed declines in aerobic capacity, muscular fitness, and quality of life. In addition, the Tai Chi group’s adherence and attendance was excellent compared to psychosocial and exercise programs.
An extensive meta-analysis and systematic review of almost 900 breast cancer survivors showed that Tai Chi had positive effects on quality of life, pain, shoulder function, arm strength, anxiety, and fatigue when compared with non-exercise therapies.
Even though some study sample sizes were small, research suggests that Tai Chi has a positive physical and mental effect on survivors of breast cancer, however, additional research is warranted regarding the efficacy of Tai Chi for improving common side effects associated with cancer treatments, such as depression, anxiety, distress, and sleep disturbances. Researchers also suggest developing a Tai Chi exercise program for breast cancer patients, while they are undergoing treatment.
Before beginning Tai Chi, breast cancer survivors should consult their physicians, as well as consider the following:
Start slowly and learn the postures. If you don’t understand, ask your instructor.
Don’t overdo it. Know your limits, and rest if/when you need to.
Know when not to practice (e.g., if you have an infection, temperature, etc.)
Always alert your instructor regarding your condition, so s/he can make modifications.
Finally, women have indicated that during breast cancer treatment, they felt a disconnect between their mind and body. More about that in a later blog, but for now, just know that Tai Chi is a mind/body exercise that can re-establish that missing connection!
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