A new study published in Nature and the Journal of Clinical Oncology has revealed the health and economic benefits of two hours of supervised exercise per week for those with breast cancer, improving quality of life while reducing healthcare costs.
The PREFERABLE-EFFECT trial involving 357 global participants, 135 of which were Australian, is the most extensive exercise study conducted for this population.
Participants completed a nine-month program of supervised aerobic, resistance and balance exercises twice a week, compared to those following general activity advice.
According to the study, the participants in the exercise arm of the study experienced significant improvements in quality of life, with reductions in fatigue, pain, and emotional distress, enabling them to lead fuller, more active lives.
Cost savings of up to A$1,998 per person
"These unique findings from our multinational PREFERABLE-EFFECT study are particularly important for healthcare providers, policymakers, and insurers,” lead Australian researcher, Melbourne exercise Physiologist Dr. Eva Zopf said.
“They demonstrate that supervised exercise for patients with metastatic breast cancer is not only beneficial in improving quality of life and reducing treatment-related side effects but also reduces healthcare costs."
Cost savings were achieved through reductions in home care, day treatments, hospital admissions and productivity losses.
Group-based programs were the most economically effective, reducing costs by up to $ 1,998 per patient, compared to A$261 for individual supervision.
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) welcomed the findings, emphasising the need to prioritise people living with metastatic breast cancer by addressing their unmet needs.
"For people living with metastatic breast cancer, symptom management is a critical priority," said Vicki Durston, BCNA’s Director of Policy, Advocacy and Support Services.
"Managing symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and emotional distress is essential for improving quality of life.
“This study highlights that supportive care, like supervised exercise, needs to go beyond being recommended guidelines—it must become an integral part of clinical practice and care to address the unmet needs of people with an incurable disease."