Influence of Physical Activity on Side Effects in Women with Breast Neoplasms Undergoing Chemotherapy Treatment

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the influence of physical activity practice by women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment and its side effects. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, carried out from September to November 2015. Among the women interviewed who practice physical activity, walking was the most prevalent activity (49.5%). There was a predominance of the presence of symptoms in women who do not engage in physical activity, however, among those who do not have symptoms, those who do not engage in physical activity predominated. The most common symptoms reported by them were nausea and fatigue, both corresponding to the group of women who did not perform any activity. It is concluded that the regular practice of physical activity brings with it several beneficial factors for the body and presents itself as a determining factor for the reduction of side effects in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.