Effectiveness of Oncologist‐Referred Exercise and Healthy Eating Programming as a Part of Supportive Adjuvant Care for Early Breast Cancer

• Published in: The oncologist (Dayton, Ohio) Ohio), 2018-01, Vol.23 (1), p.105-115
• Main Authors: Kirkham, Amy A., Van Patten, Cheri L., Gelmon, Karen A., McKenzie, Donald C., Bonsignore, Alis, Bland, Kelcey A., Campbell, Kristin L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Breast neoplasms; Drug therapy; Exercise; Quality of life; Symptom Management and Supportive Care
• ISSN: 1083-7159; 1549-490X
• DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2017-0141

Background Randomized trials have established efficacy of supervised exercise training during chemotherapy for breast cancer for numerous health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess reach, effectiveness, maintenance, and implementation of an evidence‐based exercise and healthy eating program offered within an adjuvant care setting. Subjects, Materials, and Methods Women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer were given a prescription by their oncologist to participate in the Nutrition and Exercise during Adjuvant Treatment (NExT) program. The NExT program consisted of supervised, moderate‐intensity, aerobic and resistance exercise three times a week during adjuvant therapy, followed by a step‐down in supervised sessions per week for 20 additional weeks, plus one group‐based healthy eating session. Usual moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed by questionnaire at baseline, program completion, and one year later, along with measures of satisfaction and safety. Results Program reach encompassed referral of 53% of eligible patients, 78% uptake (n = 73 enrolled), and 78% retention for the 45.0 ± 8.3‐week program. During the program, MVPA increased (116 ± 14 to 154 ± 14 minutes per week, p = .014) and HRQoL did not change. One year later, MVPA (171 ± 24 minutes per week, p = .014) and HRQoL (44 ± 1 to 49 ± 1, p