More and more research is demonstrating that exercise has a positive effect on women with breast cancer, both during and after treatment. Based on the promising evidence, one would assume that most healthcare professionals are promoting exercise for women with this disease. The results of our survey of breast cancer survivors paint a much different picture.

Examining the Facts

We conducted a national survey¹ that queried 161 breast cancer survivors about their actual and preferred exercise routines during treatment. Eighty-four respondents (52%) walked and 49 survivors (31%) stretched for fewer than 30 minutes per day. These women found the exercise enjoyable and performed the walking and stretching periodically during treatment.

We further queried participants about what recommendations they received from healthcare professionals about exercise during breast cancer treatment.² Eighty-one women (51%) received no such guidance. This fell far short of the the 92% (n = 148) of respondents who believed the oncology team should discuss exercise during treatment and the 78% (n = 125) of participants who would recommend exercise during treatment. One hundred eleven respondents (69%) would also talk with patients about exercise before breast cancer treatment even begins. The women who were advised to exercise received the guidance from medical oncologists (n = 47, 29%), surgeons (n = 30, 19%), radiation oncologists (n = 27, 17%), oncology nurses (n = 21, 13%), and primary care practitioners (n = 15, 9%).

Increase Exercise Education

The data suggest exercise research is not being translated into oncology nursing practice. This disconnect may indicate the need for evidence-based education on the subject. Exercise science is not included in nursing curricula. Teaching oncology nurses the basics of the field would enable them to apply the evidence to their practice. Once oncology nurses become proficient with the basics, the next step would be educating them on evidence-based exercise programs they could teach to patients. 

Nurses can also learn more about exercise through personal experience. Set a fitness goal for yourself and involve your colleagues. Start with a fitness routine that everyone can accomplish, such as walking 15 minutes each day. Gradually increase the duration of the walk. You should eventually aim for a total of 30 minutes of exercise each day. Explore other fitness activities, such as group fitness classes, and strength and flexibility training. Try fitness-based DVD recordings or online programs for individuals or groups. Be aware of the changes you feel within your body, mind, and spirit. Remember, demonstrating healthy behavior will raise exercise awareness for your patients.

Translating Research Into Practice 

Once you get up to speed on the exercise evidence, there are several methods for applying this knowledge to your practice. Share the latest published exercise research with your colleagues. Discuss the current evidence with them, and plan on integrating published exercise protocols into patient care. Ask your patients about their exercise and physical activity and ways they can continue these programs during treatment. Explore the many exercise programs—both on DVD and in weekend workshops—specifically designed for women with breast cancer. Participate in these offerings by practicing the DVD exercises and attending the workshops. Sharing your experiences from these programs with your colleagues will allow everyone to apply them to patient care. 

Take-Home Message

Research demonstrates that women with breast cancer can benefit from exercise during and after treatment. As oncology nurses, it is our responsibility to ensure patients receive this benefit through the thoughtful application of sound evidence to oncology nursing practice.   

Written By: Lisa Marie Bernardo, PhD, MPH, RN, HFS, is an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. She is an ACSM-certified Health Fitness Specialist and ACSM/ACS Cancer Exercise Trainer and an ACSM-licensed Wellness Coach.