Influence of physical activity on the prevention, antineoplastic treatment and survival of patients with breast cancer

Introduction: In the last few decades, several studies have investigated the impact of physical activity on the treatment of cancer. The aim of this study was to establish recommendations based on the most recent scientific evidence on the effect of physical activity on breast cancer, in terms of prevention, antineoplastic treatment, and survival. Results: Physical activity affects various biological mechanisms typically altered in breast can-cer, such as inflammatory markers, sex hormones, insulin axis/IGF-1, adrenal hormones, vitamin D, the immune system, oxidative stress, and DNA repair. These findings indicate a positive impact in terms of reducing the risk of carcinogenesis, adverse treatment effects and tumoural recurrence, enhancing quality of life, and increasing overall survival. Conclusion: Aerobic physical activity and strength-resistance training are widely recommen-ded and justified in the scientific literature for prevention and multidimensional improvement in patients with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors, allowing a series of pre-cautions/contraindications to be made in situations of eventual risk. Knowledge of the heterogeneity of breast cancer and of the various biological mechanisms involved in its deve-lopment and perpetuation will allow personalised indications and drug/physical treatment for each patient. (c) 2020 SESPM. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.