Original story by Claudia Doman

23 February 2011: Traditionally, women diagnosed with breast cancer are told to rest. But University of Canberra lecturer on exercise physiology, Kate Pumpa, thinks otherwise.

Dr Pumpa is set to investigate what is the best upper body exercise regime for women with breast cancer-related 'Lymphoedema'.

Lymphoedema is a painful swelling of the limbs that happens when the body's lymphatic system doesn't drain fluids properly. This condition is common among people who have had surgery or radiation therapy that affects the lymph nodes.

"Findings have shown that women [who don't exercise] are losing muscle mass, and experiencing a decrease in bone mineral density which may lead to osteoporosis," Dr Pumpa said.

"This decrease in activity is making the common duties of hanging up the washing or ironing, really hard," she added. "And some breast cancer patients who are told to rest are dying, not from the cancer, but from other health problems such as cardiovascular disease."

Dr Kate Pumpa supervising participant Jan Skorich's exercises. Photo: Rohani Moore

Recent research in the U.S. supports Dr Pumpa's theory. A study published last month shows that weightlifting may play a key role in the prevention of lymphoedema following breast cancer treatment.

This research builds on previous findings by the same U.S. team that exercise limits a worsening of symptoms among women who already have lymphoedema.

Through her study Exercise & Breast Cancer Related Lymphoedema Research Project, Dr Pumpa aims to develop exercise guidelines for women with Lymphoedema and at the same time, strengthen the advice that breast cancer survivors would benefit from adequate exercise.

"We are trying to determine which exercises are better, and how many repetitions would be appropriate to improve upper body physical function in women with breast cancer related Lymphoedema," Dr Pumpa said.

She added that exercise is a cost-effective alternative, in comparison with treatment that requires expensive compression bandages and massages to help drain the fluids.

The project began in late January with the evaluation sessions of the 45 participants, which will run until the end of February. This stage will be followed by the three-month treatment, commencing in March.

During the treatment, a group of 15 women will be subjected to a high-intensity low-volume regime [lift heavy weights, but not many times]; another group of 15 will participate in a low-intensity high-volume program [lift lighter weights but with more repetitions]; and a last group which will act as the control group, who will receive a delayed intervention with the most positive outcome treatment.

Upper body exercise seems to benefit women with lymphoedema. Photo: Rohani Moore

Jan Skorich is one of the study's participants. Mrs Skorich was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990, at the age of 39, when her youngest child was seven. She was told she only had a 40 percent chance of survival.

A founding member of the ACT Dragons Abreast group, Mrs Skorich has been paddling dragon boats for more than 10 years.

"I know, from experience, that staying fit and exercising regularly has great benefits for breast cancer survivors," she said.

Dr Pumpa explained that the project "will not only look at the physical development but also at the psychological factors involved, including self-esteem, self-confidence and their social lifestyle.

"After the exercise sessions, the women will have access to a tea room and relaxation room where they will be able to socialise with other women that have gone through the same process and be able to share their experience."

The exercise sessions will take place at Club Pink, starting in March.

This research is a collaboration between the University of Canberra and Edith Cowan University.