Abstract
PurposeThe Alberta Moving Beyond Breast Cancer (AMBER) Study is an ongoing prospective cohort study investigating how direct measures of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and health-related fitness (HRF) are associated with survival after breast cancer.MethodsWomen in Alberta with newly diagnosed stage I (≥ T1c) to IIIc breast cancer were recruited between 2012 and 2019. Baseline assessments were completed within 90 days of surgery. Measurements included accelerometers to measure PA and SB; a graded treadmill test with gas exchange analysis to measure cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak); upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance; dual-X-ray absorptiometry to measure body composition; and questionnaires to measure self-reported PA and SB.ResultsAt baseline, the 1528 participants’ mean age was 56 ± 11 years, 59% were post-menopausal, 62% had overweight/obesity, and 55% were diagnosed with stage II or III disease. Based on device measurements, study participants spent 8.9 ± 1.7 h/day sedentary, 4.4 ± 1.2 h/day in light-intensity activity, 0.9 ± 0.5 h/day in moderate-intensity activity, and 0.2 ± 0.2 h/day in vigorous-intensity activity. For those participants who reached VO2peak, the average aerobic fitness level was 26.6 ± 6 ml/kg/min. Average body fat was 43 ± 7.1%.ConclusionWe have established a unique cohort of breast cancer survivors with a wealth of data on PA, SB, and HRF obtained through both direct and self-reported measurements. Study participants are being followed for at least ten years to assess all outcomes after breast cancer. These data will inform clinical and public health guidelines on PA, SB, and HRF for improving breast cancer outcomes.
Highlights
In 2020, approximately 27,700 Canadian women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,100 died from the disease [1]
We previously described our Alberta Moving Beyond Breast Cancer (AMBER) Study cohort that was designed to address these gaps in knowledge regarding the role of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and health-related fitness in breast cancer survivors from diagnosis to end-of-life [15]
The reasons for ineligibility were not consenting to be contacted for any research after initial contact made by the Alberta Cancer Research Biobank (ACRB) (n = 4,740; 43%), having an ineligible disease stage (n = 2,715; 25%), medical/
Summary
In 2020, approximately 27,700 Canadian women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,100 died from the disease [1]. While incidence rates have remained stable over recent decades, mortality rates have improved since their peak in the mid-1980s and are projected to be 22 per 100,000 for Canadian women. Life after breast cancer remains challenging given the multimodal therapy that is sometimes difficult and prolonged, resulting in negative effects on the long-term health and well-being of breast cancer survivors. Survivors face increased risks of recurrence, second cancers, cardiac dysfunction, weight gain, bone loss, lymphedema, arthralgias, cognitive dysfunction, menopausal symptoms, fatigue, and psychosocial distress [3,4,5,6,7]
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