Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Prehabilitation and RecOVERy From Surgery for Breast Cancer Study

This study aims to discover if a special exercise programme, started before and continued after breast cancer surgery, can help women recover. Many women experience challenges like anxiety, weight gain, and low quality of life due to breast cancer and its treatment, and often become less active. Researchers believe that exercising before treatment, known as 'prehabilitation', could build confidence and encourage women to stay active afterwards. The study uses a remote, varied exercise plan, supported by technology and coping strategies, to see if it's practical to start this programme in the short time between diagnosis and surgery. It also explores if women can begin exercise rehabilitation soon after their operation. The goal is to develop better support for women preparing for and recovering from breast cancer treatment.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

16 Jun 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2024

Exercise Breast Neoplasm Female

What is this study about?

When women deal with breast cancer, both the illness itself and its treatments can have a big impact. Many experience things like feeling worried or down, gaining weight, or just not feeling themselves. It's also very common for women to become less physically active after their treatment.

Doctors and researchers think that exercise could be a helpful way to deal with some of these effects. This study is looking into a special exercise plan, which they call 'prehabilitation' (meaning 'rehabilitation beforehand'). The idea is that by starting regular exercise *before* breast cancer treatment, women might feel stronger and more confident. This could then help them to keep exercising even after their treatment is finished, which is really important for long-term recovery.

The study wants to find out if it's practical to give women this exercise help remotely – for example, using online video calls – in the short time between being diagnosed with breast cancer and having surgery. They also want to see if it's possible for women to start exercising again fairly soon after their operation (about two weeks later). If this approach works well, it could lead to new ways of supporting women through their breast cancer journey, helping them to prepare and recover better.

Key takeaways

A study looking at exercise before and after breast cancer surgery.
Aims to improve recovery, confidence, and activity levels.
Uses remote exercise support and wearable technology.
Focuses on practical ways to help women prepare and recover.
Eligibility includes women aged 18+ with breast cancer, able to communicate in English.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women aged 18 or older who are having surgery for breast cancer. This includes both invasive breast cancer and a type called DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). You'll need to be able to understand and speak English, and be happy to exercise both with supervision and on your own at home. Your surgeon also needs to agree that it's safe for you to take part, and you should have at least two weeks before your surgery date. You'll also need access to a computer or smartphone with internet.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain heart or kidney problems, or if you're not able to stand or walk easily. If your breast cancer has spread to other parts of your body, or if you're currently a smoker, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you already do a lot of regular exercise (like 2.5 hours of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week), or if you have symptoms of long Covid, you wouldn't be eligible.

Quick self-check

Are you a woman aged 18 or older?
Are you scheduled for breast cancer surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy)?
Do you have at least two weeks until your surgery date?
Can you understand and speak English well?
Do you have access to a computer or smartphone with internet?
Are you generally able to stand and walk without major difficulties?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll take part in an exercise program that includes different types of exercise, like aerobic (getting your heart rate up), resistance (building muscle), and targeted exercises. This plan will start before your surgery and continue afterward. The exercise support will be given remotely, for example, through online video calls. You'll also learn about ways to keep motivated and use wearable technology to track your activity. The study will pay attention to how you cope and adjust to the changes. You'll have regular check-ins and assessments to see how you're getting on. The full duration of your participation, including both before and after surgery, will be explained to you in detail if you are interested.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer benefits like feeling more confident, maintaining physical activity levels, and potentially improving your recovery from breast cancer treatment. There are always some risks with exercise, but the programme will be designed with your safety in mind and overseen by professionals. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Derby and Burton
Burton-on-Trent, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'prehabilitation'?

Prehabilitation means starting exercises and healthy habits *before* your surgery to help you prepare and recover better.

Will I have to travel for this study?

No, the exercise support for this study is given remotely, often through online video calls, so you can take part from home.

What kind of exercises will I be doing?

The programme includes a mix of activities to get your heart rate up (aerobic), build strength (resistance), and specific exercises tailored to your needs.

How soon after surgery would I start exercising?

The study is looking to see if it's practical for women to start an exercise programme about two weeks after their operation.

What if I can't keep up with the exercise?

The study will provide support to help you stay motivated, and the programme will be tailored. You can always discuss any difficulties with the study team.