Exercise support for women after breast cancer treatment

What’s the title of the study?

The THRIVE-ABC Trial: An Exercise Intervention to Improve Quality of Life and Work Ability in Women after Treatment for Breast Cancer

What’s the project about?

Many women continue working or return to work after breast cancer treatment. But side effects of treatment, and worry or anxiety, can make that difficult.

Exercise has been shown to reduce stress and promote wellbeing. But many people can find it difficult to start exercise again after breast cancer treatment.

Researchers at the University of Hull are testing whether a personalised home-based exercise programme can help women feel healthier, more confident, and better able to manage work and everyday life after treatment.

The programme is fully online, so women can take part from home.

Who’s organising it?

Name of project lead: Dr Rebecca Vince

Job title: Senior Lecturer in Health Physiology

Organisation: University of Hull

Email address: THRIVE-ABC@hull.ac.uk

Who can take part?

You can take part if you:

• Are a woman aged 18 to 66

• Have completed treatment for primary breast cancer, or a recurrence of primary breast cancer, within the last 5 years

• Have either continued working during treatment or returned to work after your diagnosis

• Can understand and communicate in English

• Have access to a smartphone, tablet or computer with internet access

• Have no medical reason why you cannot safely take part in exercise. This will be discussed with the research team before you join the study

Why do you want me to be involved?

By taking part, you’ll help researchers learn more about how to support women who are working during or after breast cancer treatment.

What they learn could help improve future support and exercise programmes, making it easier for other women affected by breast cancer to stay active, manage work and maintain their wellbeing.

What will you ask me to do?

If you take part, you’ll be randomly assigned to either start the exercise programme straight away or join a waitlist and start later.

The exercise programme lasts 12 weeks and can be completed from home. You’ll be asked to:

• Complete online questionnaires

• Attend one-to-one online sessions with a member of the research team

• Take part in a personalised walking and strength-based exercise programme

• Complete follow-up questionnaires after the programme has finished

How do I get involved?

To take part, or to ask questions before deciding, contact the research team at THRIVE-ABC@hull.ac.uk. A member of the research team will explain the next steps.

When’s the deadline?

31 January 2028