Imagine battling advanced breast cancer, where every day feels like a marathon. Now, picture a simple yet powerful tool that could help you regain strength, balance, and even a sense of control. That tool is supervised exercise, and it’s changing the game for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
New research unveiled at the Advanced Breast Cancer Eighth International Consensus Conference (ABC8) reveals that aerobic and resistance training can significantly boost physical performance in this vulnerable population. But here’s where it gets controversial: While exercise has long been touted as beneficial for cancer survivors, its impact on those with metastatic disease has been largely overlooked—until now.
Professor Anne May, a leading expert in cancer survivorship from the University Medical Center Utrecht and the Netherlands Cancer Institute, presented groundbreaking findings from the PREFERABLE-EFFECT study. This nine-month supervised exercise program not only improved muscle mass and strength, particularly in the arms and legs, but also enhanced overall physical performance in patients whose cancer had spread to other parts of the body.
And this is the part most people miss: The study highlights how cancer treatments, combined with physical inactivity, often lead to a decline in skeletal muscle mass, which can worsen body composition, muscle strength, and functional performance. Professor May explains, ‘Until now, evidence for exercise benefits in metastatic cancer patients has been limited, partly because they were frequently excluded from studies.’ This research fills a critical gap, showing that exercise isn’t just possible—it’s transformative.
The study, involving 357 patients across five European countries and Australia, divided participants into two groups: one receiving standard care and the other engaging in a nine-month exercise program. The program included supervised aerobic, strength, and balance training twice a week for six months, followed by a mix of supervised and unsupervised sessions. Participants also received activity trackers and guidance to stay active daily.
The results? Remarkable. After six months, the exercise group showed significant improvements in physical performance, including balance and muscle strength. Whole-body lean mass increased by an average of 0.79 kg after three months and 0.32 kg after six months compared to the control group. Muscle mass in the arms and legs—critical for movement and load-bearing—also saw notable gains, with an average increase of 0.6 kg at three months and 0.48 kg at six months.
But here’s the kicker: While muscle mass improved, whole-body fat percentage remained unchanged between groups. This raises a thought-provoking question: Could targeted exercise programs be more effective than general weight management strategies for metastatic cancer patients?
One of the most inspiring outcomes was the improvement in balance. For patients with bone metastases, preventing falls is crucial, as fractures can be life-altering. Professor May shared a heartwarming example: ‘One patient who struggled to get on and off a bus at the start of the study regained her mobility after the program, allowing her to visit the city center and library again.’
These findings underscore the importance of integrating supervised exercise into standard cancer care. As Professor Fatima Cardoso, President of the ABC Global Alliance, notes, ‘Finding a balance between quantity and quality of life is essential in managing advanced breast cancer. Research like this empowers patients to take control of their health.’
The ABC Global Alliance is taking action by launching a Physical Activity Resource Hub in 2026, offering personalized exercise guides, videos, and resources tailored to patients with different metastasis sites and fitness levels. Isabelle Aloi-Timeus, a cancer physiotherapist and founder of Salvati AC, emphasizes, ‘Exercise must be personalized, supervised, and safe to maximize benefits.’
Eva Schumacher-Wulf, a metastatic breast cancer patient and advocate, adds, ‘Not every exercise program is feasible for advanced cancer patients. Targeted programs are crucial for addressing their unique needs.’
So, here’s the big question: If supervised exercise can improve muscle mass, balance, and quality of life for metastatic breast cancer patients, why isn’t it already a standard part of care? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think exercise should be prioritized alongside traditional treatments? Let’s spark a conversation that could change lives.
