Row As One and Dana-Farber Begin Breast Cancer Study at Masters Nationals

The growing awareness and ability to treat breast cancer has resulted in millions of breast cancer survivors. But, while a great deal is known about treating cancer, more needs to be learned about the effects of some of treatments. Together Row As One and Dana-Farber are starting groundbreaking research on exercise and recovery.

Lymphedema is a painful swelling of the arm experienced by some women who have been treated for breast cancer. Surgical treatment of the cancer may include removal of the pocket of fat and lymph nodes in the underarm area. If a sufficient number of lymphatic vessels that drain the lymph fluid from the arm back into the main circulatory system are disrupted, the back-logged lymph fluid causes swelling of the arm.

The evidence as to what triggers the condition is unclear, so, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is trying to find out. Under the leadership of Dr. Carolyn Kaelin, the study’s principal investigator and a breast surgical oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Director of the Comprehensive Breast Health Center at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Dana-Farber and Row As One Institute Inc, are researching the effects of rowing on arm symptoms in women who have and have not had breast cancer. Dr. Carolyn Kaelin, and Holly Metcalf, the Founder of Row As One and co-investigator of the study, hope to determine if rigorous upper body exercise is a determinant in preventing or contracting this painful condition.

“The majority of women treated for breast cancer go on to live their full life expectancy, but the treatment can have side effects, including lymphedema, thinning bones, and loss of muscle mass,” says Dr. Kaelin. “In recognizing that women treated for breast cancer are working to reassert themselves as athletes and as active human beings, Row As One and Dana-Farber are undertaking this important research initiative to better understand patients’ post-treatment quality of life. Rowing specifically is a great application to be studied. The information we learn here may shed light on the impact of other activities.”

Phase One of the research project began at the Masters National competition in Occoquan, Virginia. Over 130 women participated in the study which included completing a questionnaire and undergoing three arm measurements including grip strength, arm circumference and shoulder range of motion. “We were very pleased with the number of women who helped with the study over the weekend,” said Shannon Ames, the Director of Operations for Row As One. “Participants’ favorite part was the grip strength. Amazing how rowers can be competitive about almost everything!”

Row As One and Dana-Farber will be out again at the Head of the Charles Regatta on October 19th and 20th. They are seeking an additional 200 women who have not been treated for breast cancer and 50 who have. All women rowers over the age of 18 are eligible to participate. If you have any questions regarding the study or would like to enroll in the study, please call Blair Parry at Dana-Farber, 617-732-8312, or Shannon Ames at Row As One, 617-349-0092.