Rise Up After Breast Cancer

The objectives of this pilot study are to determine the feasibility of a community-based moderate intensity resistance exercise training (RET) program in combination with an art sculpting class on body image in breast cancer survivors (BCS). The protocol will be measuring recruitment; attendance; cost tracking; body image distress; body image appreciation; and muscular strength. Participant feedback on the intervention will be collected through a final focus group. Additionally, cognitive interviews will occur prior to the intervention, where participants will be asked to "think-out-loud" as they answer the Body Image Scale for Cancer questionnaire. The purpose of this interview technique is to gain a deeper understanding of the participants' thought process behind choosing each answer. The proposed pilot study will be a single prospective before and after study that will help inform a future large-scale project. A minimum sample of 12 subjects will be recruited. The Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta Cancer Committee will approve this study. Participants will participate in RET biweekly for 12 weeks and the sculpting class weekly for 8 weeks. After the first week of RET, the art class will begin. Both the RET and sculpting class will be between 1-2 hours in length. Analyses: Quality of life, fitness testing and body image scales will be administered before and after the intervention. Cognitive interviews will occur once before the intervention has started and a final focus group will occur at the end of the intervention to get participant feedback on the effectiveness of the program

Sex

Female

Minimum age

18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Women 18 years of age and older;
2. Diagnoses of breast cancer stage I-III;
3. Identify issues with body image on the Alberta Cancer Exercise intake form
4. Cleared for unrestricted physical activity by the Certified Exercise Physiologist on the PAR-Q+
5. Participants must have completed their cancer treatments
6. Participants must have completed the Alberta Cancer Exercise 12-week program

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of active cancer or metastatic disease;
2. Serious or uncontrolled co-morbid disease or injury that would be deemed unsafe to exercise (e.g. Uncontrolled diabetes, heart failure);
3. Has undergone breast reconstruction surgery;
4. Inability to provide consent;
5. Inability to commit to, and/or comply with the intervention due to personal reasons (e.g. vacation planned during the intervention period)