Study on spa therapy for women in breast cancer remission

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of spa treatment on the resumption of occupational and non-occupational activities and on the abilities of women in breast cancer remission. A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) was also conducted.

The multicenter, randomized, controlled trial was conducted between 2008 and 2010 at the University Hospital of Auvergne and two private clinics in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Women in complete breast cancer remission without contraindications for physical activity or cognitive disorders and with a body mass index between 18.5 and 40 kg/m² were eligible to participate. The intervention group received spa treatment combined with nutritional counseling, while the control group received only nutritional counseling . Of the 181 randomized patients, 92 were assigned to the intervention group and 89 to the control group. The CBA comprised 90 patients, 42 in the intervention group and 48 in the control group.

The results showed a significantly higher return to work in the intervention group. In addition, the intervention had a positive influence on the ability to perform professional activities and on family activities after 12 months. The spa treatment proved to be cost-effective after 12 months.

Spa treatment is a cost-effective intervention to promote the resumption of occupational and non-occupational activities and to improve the functional abilities of women in breast cancer remission.