Yale Bulletin and Calendar

March 21, 2008|Volume 36, Number 22

Grant to support study of exercise
program for women with cancer

A Yale-developed exercise program designed to reduce bone loss and prevent weight gain in women with cancer is being funded with a $2.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute.

There are more than 10 million cancer survivors in the United States, and 22% are women diagnosed with breast cancer, notes the principal investigator, M. Tish Knobf, the American Cancer Society Professor at the School of Nursing and a member of the Yale Cancer Center.

“Cancer survivors face persistent physical symptoms as well as psychological distress when treatment ends,” Knobf says. “For long-term survivors, there are additional concerns related to late effects of cancer therapy, such as bone loss.”

Her team conducted a pilot study to look at the effects of exercise and found that 88% of the women adhered to the program, maintained their weight, had no changes in bone mass and improved psychologically.

“Weight gain, changes in body composition, decreased physical functioning, bone loss and menopause in women treated for cancer may increase risks for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis,” Knobf says. “With an estimated 64% of cancer survivors now living longer than five years, interventions are needed to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, secondary cancers, and health risks for other chronic illnesses.”

Co-investigators Dr. Lyndsay Harris and Dr. Karl Insogna will provide additional expertise to help monitor the women enrolled in the study. Harris, associate professor of medical oncology and director of the Yale Cancer Center Breast Cancer Program, studies the molecular classifications of breast cancer, particularly in minority women. Insogna, director of the Yale Bone Center and professor of internal medicine, has clinical expertise on the disease-related causes of bone loss.

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Grant to support study of exercise program for women with cancer

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One of Italy’s ‘artistic treasures’ on loan to the Yale Art Gallery

Differences in self-esteem and motivation explored in study

Conference to explore how epic heroes of old continue to inspire . . .

Role of scholar activists to be examined at annual . . .

Alumna athlete returns to oversee fundraising, outreach . . .

Winners of Friends of Music Recital Competition to perform . . .

Memorial service for R. Lansing Hicks

Campus Notes