Exercise and Nutrition Education in Improving Physical Function and Quality of Life in Older Breast Cancer Survivors

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. To assess the effect of a home‐based aerobic and resistance exercise and nutrition education intervention in overweight or obese, sedentary, older (65 years and above) breast cancer survivors on physical function (6‐minute walk test) and quality of life compared to standard of care. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: I. To assess the effect of a home‐based aerobic and resistance exercise and nutrition education intervention on diet quality, sleep, anxiety, depression, source of motivation for exercise, and immune function in overweight or obese, sedentary, older (65 years and above) breast cancer survivors compared to standard of care. EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVES: I. To determine how body composition (dual X‐ray absorptiometry [DEXA]) and weight maintenance are affected by a 12‐week aerobic and resistance exercise training program among older (65 years and above), sedentary, overweight and obese breast cancer survivors. II. To compare differences in the above outcomes among older (65 years and above), sedentary, overweight and obese breast cancer survivors who completed a home‐based aerobic and resistance exercise training program versus those who did not receive the intervention, standard of care. OUTLINE: Participants are randomized to 1 of 2 groups. GROUP I (ACTIVE TREATMENT): Participants complete a home‐based aerobic and resistance exercise program and receive nutrition education for 12 weeks. GROUP II (WAITLIST): Participants are placed on a waitlist for 12 weeks and then complete a home‐based aerobic and resistance exercise program and receive nutrition education for 12 weeks.