UCSD SHAPE Study
The Center for Optimal Health and Performance (COHP) has the opportunity to be a part of important research being conducted at the UCSD Cancer Center. The Breast Cancer Survivors in SHAPE (Survivors' Health and Physical Exercise) Study is testing whether a multifaceted approach to promoting healthy weight management can achieve the goal of weight loss and maintenance in overweight or obese breast cancer survivors. SHAPE is the first program specifically designed for breast cancer survivors. Being overweight or obese will increase the likelihood of recurrence and early death by 30 to 500 percent. The SHAPE program will hopefully improve those odds. Breast cancer survivors are learning how to change their lifestyle by eating better, getting into shape and losing their excess weight. SHAPE is also helping the women improve body image and self-acceptance by offering individual and group counseling.
Participants are followed for 18 months and undergo tests at the start of their participation, at 6 months and at the end of their participation. Under the direction of exercise physiologist and supporting faculty member, Jeanne Nichols PhD, COHP is responsible for testing fitness levels as measured by treadmill time, and bone mineral density and body fat measures as measured by DXA. SHAPE also affords graduate and undergraduate students from SDSU the opportunity to be involved in research. The collaboration between COHP and SHAPE will be a valuable relationship for the next couple of years as the study is funded with a four year grant from the American Cancer Society.
If you are a researcher interested in utilizing our services for your research needs, please contact: lratto@projects.sdsu.edu
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If you are experiencing mild depression or anxiety, aerobic workouts such as walking or jogging can significantly improve your mood. Non-aerobic exercise, like weight lifting, can also boost your spirits, improve sleep and appetite, reduce irritability and anger and produce feelings of mastery and accomplishment.
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