Exercise May Help Reduce Long-Term Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Patients

Most women suffer side effects after receiving chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer, including fatigue, feeling physically unfit and cognitive issues. These effects often last for years after treatment. Now, a neuroscientist with the University of Amsterdam, Emmie Koevoets, has found that exercise may help these women, particularly for those with high levels of fatigue.

According to Koevoets, between 21% and 34% of women treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer perform lower on neuropsychological tests would be expected based on their age and education level. However, there are no scientifically supported interventions designed to address the underlying cause of these cognitive difficulties. Therefore, Koevoets designed a study to investigate whether an exercise program could enhance cognitive functioning and induce changes in the brain.