Exercise in Breast Cancer Survivors

In this study, we will compare the effects of exercise between women previously treated with breast cancer to women with no history of any cancers. Therefore, in addition to a randomized controlled trial in women with previous breast cancer (i.e., an exerciser group and a control group), we also include a reference group comprising age-matched women with no history of any cancer diagnosis. Women in the reference group will undergo a similar exercise intervention and the exercise group. This study recruits through invitation only.

The primary endpoint in this study is the change in cardiorespiratory fitness, measured as VO2peak. Secondary endpoints include common risk factors for cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic health, endpoints derived from the cardiopulmonary exercise test and lung function assessments, cellular muscle endpoints derived from muscle biopsies obtained from m. vastus lateralis, also patient-reported outcomes.

Inclusion criteria

• Eligible BCS must be listed in the Norwegian Cancer registry
• Female
• Adult-onset breast cancer diagnosis, diagnosed between 2008 and 2012
• 60 years or younger at the time of diagnosis
• received anthracycline-based chemotherapy as a part of their treatment history
• signed informed consent and medical doctors approveal of participation prior to inclusion

Exclusion criteria

• Received Herceptin
• Diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer
• Relapse since diagnosis
• A history, or current presence, of another diagnosis of invasive cancer of any kind
• Selfreported severe fatigue
• present with any uncontrolled- or recent cardiovascular disease, has undergone heart surgery or uses a pacemaker
• currently exercising more than 90 minutes per week