Influence of yoga, walking, and mindfulness meditation on fatigue and body mass index in women living with breast cancer

There is some evidence-based research regarding risk factors and prevention of breast cancer in women, but relatively less information about the maintenance and improvement in health for women living with breast cancer. Studies show an increase in body mass index (BMI) may lead to a poorer prognosis of breast cancer or may be associated with advanced stages of breast cancer. Exercise and dietary restriction decrease body mass index in women with breast cancer.

Fatigue had been recognized as an almost universal side effect of cancer. The impact of cancer related fatigue (CRF) on quality of life (QOL) and the ability to carry out activities of daily living (ADL) has profound implications for patients who experience a notable decline in functional ability during cancer treatment. Exercise is one of the few interventions that has been used to decrease CRF.

Prior studies on the effect of exercise in patients diagnosed with breast cancer have assessed subjects who were sedentary throughout treatment; however problems faced by physically active people with breast cancer are somewhat different. There exists a wide range of activity in this population.

Breast cancer patients who exercise have reported decreased levels of anxiety and depression while mood is elevated overall. Moderate exercise instead of vigorous exercise is preferable to patients and results in increased compliance. Individual versus group exercise programs (or physical therapy interventions) are less costly and less demanding.

There are significant differences in the dimensions of quality of life across different clinical stages of breast cancer which may be influenced by several interventions reviewed.