Exercise as a supportive intervention during cancer treatment is beneficial, common strategy, for managing side effects and improving health-related Quality of Life (hrQoL). However, in many cases, knowledge and understanding about the benefits and usefulness of excercise as a supportive strategy is missing.[1][2]
In a new case-study LaShae , a breast cancer survivor, researcher and the lead author on a first-of-its kind study documenting elite-level strength training during active breast cancer treatment describes her experiences through chemotherapy cycles and identifies the clinical implications of individualized exercise protocols, focusing on the timing and intensity of workouts relative to chemotherapy.
The study documents how Rolle, who is also a competitive powerlifer who could squat 441 pounds, bench 292 pounds and deadlift 497 pounds, through strategic timing and symptom-informed adjustments, preserved 87–93% of pre-treatment strength levels across major lifts.
Challenge
The study challenges the long-held belief that cancer patients should stick to low- or moderate-intensity exercise and suggests that with individualized and symptom-informed exercise planning, even powerlifting can be safe and beneficial. The findings were published in the July 2024 issue of the journal, Lifestyle Medicine.[3]
Diagnosed in 2024 with stage 2B estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, Rolle had no genetic predisposition to breast cancer. A competitive powerlifter, strength wasn’t just physical for her — it was personal.
“Strength training has been central to my identity as both an athlete and a rising lifestyle oncology researcher,” she said. “During cancer, it became a way to stay connected to who I am and to feel in control of my body and mind.”
Rolle’s treatment regimen included chemotherapy, a mastectomy and radiation. Beyond that, her research team at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, designed a periodized strength training program to align with her chemo cycles.
- High-intensity days were scheduled before chemo infusions and focused on squats, bench press and deadlifts.
- Moderate days aligned with mid-cycle sessions involving accessory movements like rows and shoulder presses.
- Recovery days included light mobility and therapy work after an infusion.
Each session was adjusted based on real-time symptom tracking and perceived exertion (RPE), creating a feedback loop that prioritized safety and performance.
By the end of treatment, Rolle had retained 93% of her squat strength and 87% of her bench press and deadlift strength. These numbers are rare for someone undergoing chemotherapy and demonstrate the feasibility of high-intensity training when carefully managed.
“I’m proud I kept going,” she says. “Modifying my sessions around chemotherapy cycles helped me keep training safely, and physically, it gave me moments of normalcy even when everything else felt uncertain. . . Documenting everything on video and in a training diary kept me accountable and reminded me I was still strong,” she added. “I am still in awe when I look back at videos of me lifting over 400 pounds in the midst of chemotherapy.”
Changing the Game for Elite Athletes
Previous studies have shown that moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance training can reduce fatigue, improve physical function and alleviate treatment-related symptoms in cancer patients. But that research focused on general populations or survivors, post-treatment. High-intensity modalities like powerlifting remain underexplored.
“LaShae’s journey is a powerful reminder that survivorship is not just about recovery—it’s about reclaiming strength, identity and purpose. Her commitment to powerlifting exemplifies how movement can be a form of healing, empowerment and advocacy.” said Rolle’s primary mentor, Tracy Crane, Ph.D., R.D.N., co-leader of the cancer research program and director of Lifestyle Medicine, Prevention and Digital Health at Sylvester.
For Rolle, being a part of this case study confirmed how critical individualized, flexible programs are for survivors. “I’m absolutely encouraged to keep lifting and to keep advocating for evidence-based exercise as part of cancer care,” she concluded
Reference
[1] De Lazzari N, Niels T, Tewes M, Götte M. A Systematic Review of the Safety, Feasibility and Benefits of Exercise for Patients with Advanced Cancer. Cancers (Basel). 2021 Sep 6;13(17):4478. doi: 10.3390/cancers13174478. PMID: 34503288; PMCID: PMC8430671.
[2] Ligibel JA, Bohlke K, May AM, Clinton SK, Demark-Wahnefried W, Gilchrist SC, Irwin ML, Late M, Mansfield S, Marshall TF, Meyerhardt JA, Thomson CA, Wood WA, Alfano CM. Exercise, Diet, and Weight Management During Cancer Treatment: ASCO Guideline. J Clin Oncol. 2022 Aug 1;40(22):2491-2507. doi: 10.1200/JCO.22.00687. Epub 2022 May 16. PMID: 35576506.
[3] Rolle LD, Crane TE. Exercising Through Breast Cancer: A Case Study on Strength Training During Active Treatment, Lifestyle Medicine Volume 6, Issue 3 July 2025. e70034 DOI 10.1002/lim2.70034
__
Featured Image A first-of-its-kind study, led by LaShae Rolle, a 27 year-old breast cancer researcher, survivor and elite powerlifter, challenges the long-held belief that cancer patients should stick to low- or moderate exercise and suggests that with individualized and symptom-informed exercise planning, even powerlifting can be safe and beneficial. Photo courtesy: © 2025 Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Used with permission
DOI
