Breast Cancer Survivors Needed for FAU Research Study

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University 's Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion and Department of Psychology within the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, are seeking breast cancer survivors to participate in a research study examining whether supervised aerobic exercise, with or without non-invasive brain stimulation, can improve memory, concentration and focus following cancer treatment.

Breast cancer survivors frequently report cognitive changes after treatment - often referred to as "chemo brain" or cancer-related cognitive impairment - that can affect memory, attention, processing speed and everyday functioning long after treatment has ended. Researchers hope the study will provide new insights into safe, non-drug approaches that may help improve cognitive function and overall quality of life.

"Our goal is to identify accessible, evidence-based strategies that can help breast cancer survivors regain confidence in their cognitive abilities and improve their daily lives," said Ashley Artese, Ph.D., principal investigator and an assistant professor in FAU's Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion. "Many survivors continue to experience challenges with memory, concentration and focus long after treatment has ended. By studying the combined effects of exercise and non-invasive brain stimulation, we hope to advance interventions that support long-term brain health and enhance quality of life for the growing population of breast cancer survivors."

Researchers are seeking volunteers who:

• Have been diagnosed with breast cancer (stages 0-III)
• Completed primary treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation) at least three months ago
• Have noticed changes in memory, concentration or focus following cancer treatment
• Are not currently participating in a regular exercise program

The study begins with a baseline assessment that includes evaluations of cognitive function, physical fitness, physical activity, body composition and physical function, as well as surveys measuring well-being and quality of life.

Participants will then complete four weeks of supervised aerobic exercise, which may be combined with non-invasive brain stimulation sessions, followed by post-intervention assessments to measure changes in cognitive and physical function.

In addition to contributing to research that could improve care for future breast cancer survivors, participants will receive personalized information about their health, functional performance and body composition, along with $125 in Amazon gift cards upon completion of the study.

All assessment and exercise sessions will take place at the Functional Fitness Laboratory (Field House West) on FAU's Boca Raton campus.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S., excluding skin cancers. In 2026, an estimated 320,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and nearly 60,000 additional cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are expected. Advances in detection and treatment have led to more than 4 million breast cancer survivors living in the U.S., underscoring the importance of research focused on improving survivorship and long-term quality of life.

For more information or to determine eligibility, contact Ashley Artese at [email protected].

-FAU-