Physical Activity Levels of Women Attending Glasgow Breast Clinics.

Abstract

Abstract IntroductionEpidemiological studies suggest that moderate intensity recreational physical activity (PA) improves breast cancer survival. We aimed to assess the current levels of PA in breast cancer survivors and a cohort of women with benign disease attending clinics in Glasgow.Materials and MethodsPatients at breast clinics at the GRI and WIG were recruited over a 5 week period. Data on physical activity levels (occupational, household, recreational) over the 7 days were recorded using the International Physical Activity Questionaire (IPAQ).ResultsA total of 352 patients were recruited with 141 (40.1%) of the patients completing the questionnaire successfully (table 1).Table 1  Women attending symptomatic clinicBreast cancer survivorsNo. patients 9742Median Age 4263Average physical activity levels (MET-Hr / Week)Total11493.4 Physical19.619.7 Household35.740.0 Occupational40.523.9 Recreational PA appears to be the major influence on breast cancer survival (1) and the reported MET-hr/week for each cohort are shown in table 2.Table 2Recreational Physical activity levels (MET-Hr / Week)Women attending symptomatic clinicBreast cancer survivors<533 (34%)21 (50%)5 - 1014 (14%)5 (12%)10 - 1918 (19%)8 (19%)>1932 (33%)8 (19%) DiscussionScottish guidelines (2) suggest 30min of moderate exercise most days a week is beneficial (>10MET-hr/week) but over 60% of our patients were not achieving this. A recreational PA level of >5MET/hr/week has been demonstrated to confer a benefit on breast survival (1). However 50% of our breast cancer survivors are not meeting this relatively modest target (equivalent to 1hr15min moderate activity/week). With the planned implementation of an exercise programme for all newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in Glasgow, we hope to improve levels of recreational physical activity and will re-audit following its introduction.