MIAMI, FLORIDA (July 22, 2025) – LaShae Rolle, 27, is a competitive powerlifer who could squat 441 pounds, bench 292 pounds and deadlift 497 pounds. She is also a breast cancer survivor and researcher and the lead author on a first-of-its kind study documenting elite-level strength training during active breast cancer treatment.
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 appear in the July 2024 issue of the journal, Lifestyle Medicine .
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.
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 said.
Read more about Sylvester research on the InventUM blog and follow @SylvesterCancer on X for the latest news on its research and care.
# # #
Lifestyle Medicine
Exercising Through Breast Cancer: A Case Study on Strength Training During Active Treatment
8-Jul-2025
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.