• Brunet, J., Amireault, S., Chaiton, M., & Sabiston, C.M. (2014). Identification and prediction of physical activity trajectories in women treated for breast cancer. Annals of Epidemiology, 24(11), 837-842. doi.org/10.1016/j.annepidem.2014.07.004

With low motivation to participate in higher intensity exercises, we see a trend in physical inactivity among breast cancer survivors. Since a majority of survivors do not follow physical activity recommendations, it is necessary to explore and analyze the different patterns of physical activity that survivors fall into after recovery. In this article, Brunet, Amireault, Chaiton, and Sabiston present their findings regarding (identifying and predicting) the different trajectories that women recently treated for breast cancer may follow. Participants in this study were 199 women diagnosed with stage I to III breast cancer that had received and completed chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy within the previous 20 weeks. These women were asked to provide data via questionnaires at five collection points over a period of one year. From the data collected, the researchers identified five distinct trajectories of physical activity among the breast cancer survivors including consistently active, decreasing levels, inactive with increasing levels, somewhat active, and consistently sufficiently active. Brunet and colleagues were also able to determine that depressive symptoms, cancer worry, and fatigue could help predict survivors’ physical activity patterns. These factors can aid physicians in creating more unique and targeted exercise plans specific to each individual, ultimately improving overall health and well-being of breast cancer survivors.