Exercise and cardiovascular health among breast cancer survivors: a scoping review of current observational evidence

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer survivors are at increased risk of cardiovascular events due to the cardiotoxic effects of cancer treatment. Exercise participation can lower the risk of various adverse cardiovascular health outcomes. However, most breast cancer survivors do not meet exercise guidelines. OBJECTIVES: To map and critically evaluate the observational literature describing the direction and strength of the relationship between post-diagnosis leisure-time exercise (aerobic and muscle-strengthening) and cardiovascular health (cardiovascular disease, cardiac function, and related physiological risk factors) among diverse breast cancer survivors; and identify variations in this relationship based on race, ethnicity, and/or socioeconomic status. METHODS: Our scoping review was conducted in accordance with established guidelines and frameworks. Seven databases were searched. Participant characteristics, findings regarding the relationship between exercise and cardiovascular health, and any variations in this relationship were extracted. Article quality was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS: Fourteen sources were identified, and study quality varied. Two adjusted analyses found aerobic exercise may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. There was limited data found on the direction and strength of an adjusted relationship between exercise (aerobic or muscle-strengthening) and other cardiovascular outcomes or possible variations in the relationship across racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic groups. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight a considerable gap in knowledge regarding the relationship between exercise and cardiovascular health among diverse breast cancer survivors. Further longitudinal observational research is needed to better establish the direction and strength of this relationship, and how it differs based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.