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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
05:44
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
Lifestyle Program for Breast Cancer Improves Body Composition, Fitness, and Patient-Reported Outcomes: A Randomized
Catherine Powers-James1, Aimee J Christie1, Banu Arun1
1Unit 1414, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Cancers
|June 12, 2026
Summary
A comprehensive lifestyle intervention improved body composition, fitness, and quality of life for breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. This integrated approach, including nutrition and exercise, showed significant benefits during and after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Lifestyle Medicine
- Radiotherapy Supportive Care
Background:
- Lifestyle interventions may enhance treatment tolerance and survivorship for breast cancer patients.
- Few trials have concurrently integrated nutrition, exercise, stress management, and psychosocial support with radiotherapy and survivorship care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention (CompLife) initiated during radiotherapy and continued for 12 months.
- Evaluate effects on body composition, fitness, quality of life, symptoms, and nutrition in breast cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Randomized clinical trial involving women with stage II/III breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy.
- Intervention group received integrated nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and psychosocial support during radiotherapy and telehealth post-treatment.
- Control group received standard care.
Main Results:
- CompLife group showed reduced visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and improved VO2 max at 3 and 6 months.
- Significant improvements in SF-36 Physical Component Summary scores and reduced symptoms (MDASI) were observed in the CompLife group.
- Consistently higher dietary fiber intake was noted in the CompLife group compared to standard care.
Conclusions:
- A multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention during and after radiotherapy significantly improved body composition, fitness, diet, and patient-reported outcomes.
- Findings support integrating structured lifestyle and psychosocial counseling into oncology care.
- Further large-scale trials are warranted to confirm these benefits and assess recurrence endpoints.
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