Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center

Roshani Patel, MD, FACS, Breast Surgical Oncologist, Comprehensive Breast Program, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester/Norris Cotton Cancer Center.

Q: What impact does exercise have during and after treatment for breast cancer?

A: Studies have shown a decrease in mortality from breast cancer by up to 46 percent when patients follow a regular exercise program. Since 2010, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester has worked with other community organizations to develop a comprehensive rehabilitation, nutrition, and exercise program to assist patients with survivorship in a positive, nonjudgmental, caring and safe environment. We started with a pilot group of my patients that experienced benefits including weight loss, decreased medical problems (for example, better control of diabetes, fewer joint problems, decreased lymphedema), fewer side effects from chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, and a more positive outlook toward life after trying a variety of exercise programs. We have worked with several local rehabilitation facilities, Hannafords, and the Granite YMCA to ensure that all patients with any cancer diagnosis have access to these opportunities, no matter where they receive their care.