• Sylvester, B.D., Ahmed, R., Amireault, S., Sabiston, C. M. (2017). Changes in light-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensity physical activity and changes in depressive symptoms in breast cancer survivors: a prospective observational study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 25(11), 3305–3312. doi: 10.1007/s00520-017-3745-1.

For women who have battled and survived breast cancer, it is not uncommon to experience depressive symptoms, even after treatment has ended. To mitigate these feelings of sadness and worthlessness, it is highly encouraged to participate in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity in order to improve mental health. However, the mere suggestion of this non-pharmacological treatment may be one of the primary factors contributing to their psychological distress. Sylvester, Ahmed, Amireault, and Sabiston (2017) addressed this dilemma using an observational study involving 201 breast cancer survivors who self-reported depressive symptoms. For this study, participants completed self-report questionnaires and wore an accelerometer to keep track of their weekly physical activity habits at five data collection points over a one year period. With the accelerometer data, the researchers were able to record the amount and intensity of physical activity that participants participated in on a daily basis. Based on the data, the researchers concluded that increases in light and moderate physical activity were associated with decreases in depressive symptoms, while vigorous physical activity did not have any significant effect. The findings in the article highlight a new concept that breast cancer survivors no longer have to worry about participating in vigorous intensity exercise after recovery. Survivors can improve their mental health simply by doing light intensity physical activity, such as walking and yoga, which they report to enjoy better anyway.