MOVEMENT FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS

MARCH 3, 2009

Robin Memel Fox, MA, ADTR, LPC,

1. Discuss the role of movement in the prevention of breast cancer onset

2. Outline the appropriate role of movement for breast cancer survivors

3. Define the role of movement in the breast cancer recurrence prevention

Movement is our first language and most basic form of communication.

It is a metaphor for how we think, feel and relate to the self and others.

To move is to create, to contact our spiritual selves, to feel alive and connected to ourselves and others.

Body/Mind/Spirit Connection- the body does not lie

There are many forms of movement activities that enhance the body/mind/spirit connection and help aid in healing from cancer and other illnesses

Movement should not be painful, it should be enjoyable and healing

Maintain a healthy weight throughout life

Balance calorie intake with physical activity

Avoid excessive weight gain throughout life

Achieve and maintain a healthy weight if currently overweight or obese

Adults: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, above usual activities, on 5 or more days of the week; 45 to 60 minutes of intentional physical activity are preferable.

For complete Nutritional and Physical Activity Guidelines, see www.cancer.org

Physical activity may be the most important lifestyle factor for reducing breast cancer risk and recurrence.

Not only does it make breast cancer less likely to develop, it helps prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

And it has the added bonus of helping with weight control, relieving stress, building strength, and increasing energy level.

The goals and benefits of movement and physical activity may include, but is not limited to:◦ Enhance energy levels ◦ increase range of motion ◦ relief from pain in shoulders and arms◦ stretch scar tissue ◦ express your emotions ◦ connect to body ◦ improve body image◦ have fun ◦ helps circulate and balance hormones/immune

system

◦ help maintain healthy weight◦ decrease nausea and fatigue during cancer

treatments◦ decrease tension, anxiety and depression ◦ decrease risk of cancer recurrence ◦ prevent lymphedema ◦ increase joy and sense of aliveness ◦ improve survival rates◦ improve breathing ◦ be present in the moment◦ increase self-acceptance

Walking Yoga Dance Dance/Movement Therapy the Lebed Method Feldenkrais Breath work Tai'Chi Qigong Jogging Swimming Gentle Stretching Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy

Pilates NIA Creative Movement Golf Playing Team Sports Weight training Bicycling Skating Skiing Martial Arts Hiking Gentle Aerobics House cleaning/chores Gardening

Dance/Movement Therapy is defined by the American Dance Therapy Association as “the psychotherapeutic use of movement as a process which furthers the emotional, cognitive and physical integration of the individual”. Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) works with the connection between the mind and the body, by assuming that together they are an integrated whole, each affecting the other.

DMT is a proven effective treatment modality for people of all ages needing help with a variety of issues/problems. DMT is also recognized as a specialty of professional counseling by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC, 2000).

Research on Dance/Movement Therapy support groups have shown an improvement on the length and quality of life of people with cancer and other terminal illnesses.

www.lebedmethod.com The Lebed Method, Focus on Healing through Movement and Dance, is a therapeutic exercise program for women who have had any kind of breast surgery, node dissection, radiation, chemotherapy, Lymphedema, or who suffer with chronic fatigue

Two physicians and a dance movement specialist created this program to help women and men: ◦ Regain Range of Motion ◦ Increase flexibility in Frozen Shoulder ◦ Work with Balance issues both physically and emotionally ◦ Help reduce swelling from Lymphedema ◦ May help reduce the risk of Lymphedema◦ Decrease depression ◦ Add to sexuality ◦ Increases femininity ◦ Promotion of positive self image and joy ◦ Weight stabilization ◦ is FUN and EASY to do ◦ No special physical abilities required

Certain exercises can be one of the major preventatives for some future problems for survivors, from one day after surgery to 30 years after surgery.

This quality program is needed to help Breast Cancer Survivors thrive once they have survived, with a better quality of life.

Dozens of published research studies show that moderate physical activity helps prevent breast cancer recurrence, and may promote greater survival rates.

Minimum of 1-3 hours a week of moderate physical activity is recommended, 3-8 hours a week is even more effective.

Doing any type of exercise during and after treatment for breast cancer may be difficult, but even a little mild physical activity is helpful

Physical activity may work in conjunction with other behaviors to lower risk and recurrence. In a recent study, women with one type of breast cancer (hormone receptor positive) cut their fatality rate in half by doing both moderate exercise thirty minutes a day, six days per week and eating five or more fruits and vegetables each day.

It reduces fatigue, anxiety, and depression. It helps prevent the weight gain that is an unfortunate side effect of many cancer treatments

These added pounds not only increase the risk for recurrence, they make breast cancer survivors more likely to develop other serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Physical activity discourages cancer growth by boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and helping maintain a healthy weight

Regular exercise helps keep off the fatty tissue that piles on when we gain weight

Fat, especially around our middle, produces estrogen and other substances that promote cancer growth

Adapted from website of Karen Collins, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.

As far as exercise is concerned, a study published in the May 25, 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found that it improved survival among women who have had breast cancer even if they walked as little as an hour a week

The authors noted that after a breast cancer diagnosis, women decrease their levels of physical activity by two hours a week and that even greater decreases have been seen among obese women.

In closing, it is clearly shown to be imperative that women with breast cancer engage in some type of moderate physical activity or movement -based activity or support.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet, healthy weight and engaging in movement activities minimizes the risks of breast cancer onset and recurrence.

Now let's get moving with our experiential portion of

today!