Abstract
The EFICAN trial (2022) was a 12-week randomized controlled trial involving 60 female breast cancer survivors. The study compared supervised resistance training combined with a walking goal against a walking goal alone. Results showed that the resistance training group achieved large, significant increases in full-body strength, although aerobic fitness and quality of life metrics did not significantly differ between groups within the 12-week window.
While 12 weeks of lifting is highly effective for rebuilding muscle mass and strength in survivors, the study indicates that strength gains alone may not immediately translate to improved quality of life scores. This highlights the need for comprehensive, long-term recovery programs.