EPICC Study

STUDY BASICS

Are you currently being treated for stage 0, 1, 2, or 3a breast cancer or did you complete treatment within the past two years? Are you a postmenopausal woman aged 18-79? You may be able to participate in a research study to find out if physical activity can prevent thinking and memory problems. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Many women with breast cancer experience changes in their ability to think clearly, concentrate, and remember. While there are currently no known methods to prevent or treat these types of problems, some research suggests that moderate amounts of physical activity may be a promising approach.

The purpose of this study is to find out if moderate amounts of physical activity can prevent thinking and memory problems in women with breast cancer. Exercise has been shown to lessen symptoms frequently experienced during cancer treatment such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep problems and stress, and may improve survival in breast cancer survivors. Researchers hope their findings will improve the quality of life for women with breast cancer in the future.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 18-79
• Postmenopausal
• Diagnosed with invasive or non-invasive breast cancer (stages 0 , 1, 2, or 3a)
• Currently receiving initial treatment for breast cancer or completed initial treatment for breast cancer within the past two years (initial treatment may include any combination of surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy)
• May or may not currently be receiving ongoing hormonal therapy
• Have not received chemotherapy or brain radiation for any previous cancers (women who have received chemotherapy for current breast cancer diagnosis are eligible)

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation lasts up to 7 months. Participants will be asked to  complete fitness testing and cognitive testing, have a blood draw, and answer questions about quality of life. These assessments can be completed in-person or via teleconferencing and may take up to 3 hours of your time in total (these can be done in two 1 ½ hour visits).

Following these assessments, participants will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to either: 1) usual care, or 2) an individualized exercise program guided and supervised by a certified exercise coach. The exercise is moderate in intensity, like brisk walking, and is consistent with the recommendations for cancer survivors made by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Cancer Society. Participants in the exercise group will exercise 3 times per week for 6 months.