Researchers Say Weight Lifting Boosts Breast Cancer Survivors' Self Image

November 4, 2009 8:33 a.m. EST

Philadelphia, PA (AHN) - Researchers with the University of Pennsylvania are touting the benefits of weight lifting among breast cancer survivors as a booster of self esteem.

The researchers said in a statement that regular weight lifting by breast cancer survivors typically makes them feel better about their bodies and their appearances, and it makes them more satisfied with their intimate relationships, compared with survivors who don't exercise with weights.

In their year-long study, the researchers said weight lifting improved self perception among survivors regardless of how much strength they gained. This was true even with women who suffered from lymphedema, an incurable and sometimes debilitating side effect of breast cancer surgery, the researchers said in a statement.

The study was a randomized 12-month trial that tested the impact of twice-weekly weight lifting on survivors' health and emotional status.

The results appear in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.