Leah Billingham with Dr. Teresa Woods, PhD

UW-Madison Department of Psychiatry

Increasing amounts of studies have shown that exercise can reduce fatigue and increase the quality of life in patients with cancer. However, little research has been done with patients whose cancer has metastasized. Sixteen women with metastatic breast cancer completed a 16 week structured group exercise program which met three times a week. Patients were assessed at baseline, 8 weeks and 16 weeks in areas of psychological well-being, physical fitness and quality of life. Results showed that a structured exercise program is feasible for patients with metastatic breast disease and significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, negative affect and pain; and a significant increase in timed walking distance between baseline and 16 weeks was noted.