HealthDay TV: Weights and Cancer

Hi, I'm Dr. Cindy Haines for HealthDay TV.

A new study shows weight-lifting may help women who've had breast cancer surgery.

Swelling of the arm can be a major concern after breast cancer surgery. Weight-lifting has generally been advised against, but new research in the New England Journal of Medicine may change that. The study followed 141 breast cancer survivors with stable lymphedema of the arm for one year. During that time, the women lifted weights twice a week in 90-minute sessions... The regimen had no adverse effect. In fact, lifting weights decreased the chance of the swelling becoming worse and increased strength in the patients.

The authors noted that breast cancer survivors sometimes limit the use of an arm affected by lymphedema, for fear of worsening the symptoms. This can actually slow recovery and lead to decreased productivity. A regimen of controlled weight lifting may increase the arm's capacity to withstand further damage and provide protection from injury during everyday activities.

Weight lifting has other benefits as well, like control of body fat and improved bone health.
I'm Dr. Cindy Haines for HealthDay TV, bringing you the health news you can really use.