were similar to those of people in the control group.
However, the active cancer patients still perceived a significant decline in thinking skills, especially during chemo, according to findings published online Aug. 18 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
The findings lay the groundwork for future clinical trials on whether moderate to vigorous exercise can ward off “chemo brain”, the authors note.
“Our findings suggest that maintaining higher levels of physical activity may indeed be important for protecting cognition in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy,” Salerno says.
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Tips for exercising with breast cancer
Some exercises may be dangerous for breast cancer patients depending on your condition, so it is best to consult with your doctor before you begin. You may also enlist a certified trainer or therapist that has experience working with breast cancer patients.
If you’re starting a new exercise program after breast cancer surgery, you should avoid using the arm on the side of the surgery.
Remember to go slow and rest as needed. You should also incorporate warm-ups and cool-downs into your routine. After about a month of an exercise plan, you may be able to gradually introduce exercises to your other arm.
If you feel any pain, you should adjust your workout and do smaller movements. If the pain continues, contact your doctor or physical therapist.
