The INFLUENCE of PHYSICAL ACTIVITY on the HEALTH and WELL-BEING of BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS

Introduction: Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, with breast cancer being the most common type among women worldwide. The risk of breast cancer is influenced by genetic and lifestyle factors. Healthy dietary habits, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight not only reduce the risk of primary neoplastic lesions but also help prevent recurrence. Objective: To assess the impact of educational strategies on behavioral changes, health, and quality of life in women following breast cancer treatment. Methods: This randomized intervention study included 32 participants divided into three groups: remote exercise intervention, e-book guidance, and control. The 12-week intervention involved three weekly sessions with a physical educator and a nutritional consultation. Primary outcomes focused on quality of life, sleep quality, and perceived stress, while secondary outcomes assessed clinical data on biochemical markers, blood pressure, morphofunctional parameters (strength, flexibility, cardiorespiratory capacity), and comorbidities. Women who completed initial breast cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) and voluntarily participated in the lifestyle program were included in the study. Participants were recruited through invitation letters sent to eligible women from an oncology reference clinic in Salvador. At baseline, standardized questionnaires collected sociodemographic data (age, origin, race, education level), clinical information, and lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol consumption). Specific questionnaires gathered details on physical activity level (IPAQ), quality of life (SF-36), perceived stress (PSS), sleep quality (PSQI), and morphofunctional assessments (strength tests, BMI, and waist circumference). The questionnaires were administered in person, along with assessments of anthropometric data (BMI, waist circumference), upper and lower limb strength (dynamometry and chair-stand test), cardiorespiratory fitness test, standardized questionnaires, and a 24-hour dietary recall (R24h). Additionally, protocols such as IPAQ, SF-36, PSS, PSQI, and dietary quality questionnaires were used. Intervention: The study intervention focused on developing knowledge about healthy lifestyle habits, emphasizing the benefits of dietary and exercise changes, and promoting motivation and self-confidence to sustain health-oriented behavioral changes. This intervention is anticipated to promote improvements in participant health and lifestyle, impacting their physical health and quality of life.