Exercise in Breast Cancer: A Key Factor for the Management of Side Effects of Breast Cancer

Exercise emerges as the most effective non-pharmacological intervention that is safe and effective in mitigating the side effects and functional impairments associated with cancer and multimodal treatment. The crucial effect of exercise on breast cancer patients is its positive influence on the rates of recurrence and mortality. Hence, individualized exercise prescriptions that are sustainable, patient-specific, and suitable for their needs are essential to improving clinical outcomes among breast cancer patients. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, or combined exercise programs have been shown to improve the quality of life and alleviate diverse symptoms among breast cancer patients. Moreover, high-intensity interval training, mind body exercises, and aquatic exercise approaches have produced promising results on clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to ascertain the safety, effectiveness, and feasibility of high-intensity interval training in cancer patients. Determining optimal exercise prescriptions is crucial, particularly emphasizing exercise frequency, intensity, type, and timing. A comprehensive assessment, including an analysis of concurrent symptoms and functional difficulties, should be conducted to develop suitable and individualized exercise prescriptions. Notwithstanding the beneficial effects of exercise on symptom management among breast cancer patients, exercise adherence is notably poor. To enhance adherence to exercise, conducting a comprehensive assessment to identify possible barriers is of utmost importance, in conjunction with patient education. Further research is required to determine the optimal exercise regimens regarding frequency, intensity, duration, and type to alleviate various symptoms associated with breast cancer and its multimodal treatments.