Author(s): ANTUNES, A., MADEIRA, A., ESTEVES, D., TORRES, A., FIALHO, R., MAIA, A., ANJOS, L., SOMA, A., FERREIRA, T., NEIVA, H., Institution: UNIVERSIDADE DA BEIRA INTERIOR, Country: PORTUGAL, Abstract-ID: 1094

INTRODUCTION:
Breast cancer survivors frequently experience psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and
cognitive complaints, which may persist or worsen throughout survivorship [1]. Evidence suggests that
structured exercise programs may help attenuate or stabilize these symptoms, contributing to improved
psychological well-being [2]. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week multicomponent
intervention—including concurrent training, psychoeducation, and peer support—on psychological symptoms
and subjective cognitive function in breast cancer survivors.
METHODS:
Eighteen women with a history of breast cancer participated in a 12-week intervention comprising supervised
and individualized concurrent training, peer group sessions, and structured psychoeducational materials with
psychologist support. Psychological outcomes were assessed pre-post intervention and included symptoms of
anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), and subjective cognitive complaints (FACT-Cog). Paired samples tests
(t-test or Wilcoxon) were used to compare pre- and post-intervention scores.
RESULTS:
Psychological outcomes remained stable from pre- to post-intervention across all assessed domains. No
clinically meaningful deterioration was observed in anxiety, depressive symptoms, and subjective cognitive
complaints over the intervention period.
CONCLUSION:
Although no significant improvements were detected, the maintenance of psychological and cognitive outcomes
may be clinically relevant in a population typically at risk for worsening emotional and cognitive symptoms during
and after cancer treatment. These findings support the potential protective role of multicomponent interventions
combining structured exercise, psychoeducation, and peer support in oncological rehabilitation. Future studies
should explore individualized response patterns and optimize program components to maximize psychological
outcomes. This work was supported by National Funds by FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology under
the following project UID/04045: Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences, and Human
Development (CIDESD).
[1] (Zhang et al., 2025) [2] (Ramírez-Vélez et al., 2021).