Exercise can be beneficial towards recovery after breast cancer, though a large number of surviving women do not meet current exercise guidelines, according to an American study published in the journal Cancer.

Experts have noted the importance of exercise after breast cancer, with physical activity thought to aid the overall quality of life for survivors, while also helping to stave off other diseases.

However, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina, only 35 per cent of women who had experienced breast cancer met American physical activity guidelines after their diagnosis.

Using data from the Carolina Breast Cancer Study, researchers observed 1,735 women between the ages of 20 to 74 who had been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

Within the sample it was found that 65 per cent fell short of guidelines from the US Department of Health, while 60 per cent of participants reported that they started to exercise less after their diagnosis.

It was also found that on average, women reduced physical activity by a measure of around five hours of brisk walking per week after they found out about their condition.

Despite the study focusing on American women, charity representatives in Europe have echoed the need for women to be given more support to encourage exercise after diagnosis.

“Physical activity after a breast cancer diagnosis has been shown to improve a patient's chances of survival, and there is also some evidence it may help to reduce the risk of breast cancer returning,” said Caroline Dalton, senior policy officer at UK Cancer charity, Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

“Keeping active may also help patients cope, both during and after treatment, by improving general health and well-being. Although this study was conducted in America rather than the UK, the results suggest women who have received a breast cancer diagnosis need better support to keep active.”