Row As One Institute is partnering with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in a joint study on the effects of athletic activity on women who have been treated for breast cancer. The research focuses on both current rowers and women who have just begun to row in one of the WeCanRow programs.

"We are extremely happy to be able to conduct this study that has the potential to profoundly and positively affect the quality of life of millions of women who have survived breast cancer," says Holly Metcalf. "The quality of the research and the reputation of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will help give credibility to the often-overlooked battles that continue to confront patients after their treatment is over."

The study will examine the occurrence of lymphedema and other arm symptoms in rowers who have had breast cancer and in those who have not had the disease. Lymphedema is a common but debilitating condition that can result from the surgery needed to treat some types of breast cancer. The study will attempt to determine the benefit of post-treatment physical activity in women who have undergone surgical treatment for breast cancer.

"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 the study's principal investigator Carolyn M. Kaelin, MD, MPH, FACS, 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 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," added Kaelin.

The one-year longitudinal evaluation will include both women who are experienced rowers and those who are new to the sport. Phase One of the study began at the 2002 US Masters National Regatta on Lake Occoquan, in Virginia. It is likely that more than 30,000 women will be contacted to take part in the study using organizations and businesses familiar in the rowing world. Organizations such as the US Rowing Association, Masters Rowing Association, Concept 2, and the Independent Rowing News are lending their support to the study.

For more information about enrolling in the study, contact Sanaz Ghazal at 617-732-8312.