Breast Cancer Survivors: Physical Activity, Inflammation, Fatigue, and Distress

Date de début de l'étude : 1 août 2007

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Stage 0-IIIA breast cancer survivor * Completed cancer treatment within the past 36 months (except for tamoxifen/aromatase inhibitors) * At least 2 months since prior surgery, adjuvant therapy, or radiotherapy, whichever occurred last * Women who are not currently practicing yoga and have not participated in any of the following activities: * Meditation, tai chi, or related activities * Yoga or tai chi within the past 6 months * Had classes for or practiced yoga for more than 3 months * Women who typically engage in a total of 5 or more hours of vigorous physical activity per week are not eligible * No inflammatory breast cancer PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Inclusion criteria: * Hemoglobin ≥ 10 g/dL (patients with a hemoglobin of \< 10 g/dL may be retested in 6 weeks after treatment of anemia and allowed to participate in study if blood counts recovered) * Physically able to fully participate in yoga intervention Exclusion criteria: * Inability to comfortably get up and down from the floor 2-3 times in a session * Breathing problems requiring use of oxygen * Problems walking without a cane or walker assistance * Prior knee or hip replacement with limited movement in the joint * Inability to comfortably lie on the stomach * Alcohol, or drug abuse * Diagnosis of any of the following conditions: * Diabetes * Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease * Uncontrolled hypertension * Evidence of liver or kidney failure * Symptomatic ischemic heart disease * Significant visual or auditory problems * Mental disorder or cognitive impairment * Notable serious cardiovascular history (e.g., prior life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms) * Other medical conditions involving the immune system such as autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis * History of breast or any other cancer, except basal or squamous cell skin cancer PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * See Disease Characteristics * No regular use of medications with major immunological consequences (e.g., steroids)