Improved awareness of physical activities is associated with a gain of fitness and a stable body weight in breast cancer patients during the first year of antineoplastic therapy: the BEGYN-1 study
Background: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women. Reduced
physical activity and overweight are associated with poor prognosis. Breast
cancer patients have a high risk to gain weight, lose muscle mass and reduce
physical activity during therapy. Concepts are urgently needed to motivate
patients to engage in physical activity.
Methods: 110 non-metastatic breast cancer patients were included in the
prospective observational BEGYN-1 study. Physiological parameters and body
composition were measured before the start of therapy and then quarterly for
one year. Patients used a fitness tracker and documented their physical activity in
a diary throughout the study.
Results: Although the patients were not offered any guided exercise, and despite
the restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, they increased their physical
activity (metabolic equivalent of task (MET) -minutes): p<0.001), physical fitness (decreasing resting heart rate: p=0.001) and did not gain weight (median - 0.4kg)
over the course of the study.
Conclusion: Improved awareness of physical activity is associated with an increase
in physical activity, fitness, and a stable weight during the first year of therapy in
breast cancer patients. Counselling at diagnosis should motivate patients to engage
in physical activity, wear a fitness tracker and document activities