Powerlifting During Cancer: A Survivor's Journey to Strength and Recovery

In a groundbreaking study published on July 23, 2025, in the journal *Lifestyle Medicine*, LaShae Rolle, a 27-year-old competitive powerlifter and breast cancer survivor, demonstrated that high-intensity strength training can be safely integrated into the treatment regimen of cancer patients. Rolle, who was diagnosed with stage 2B estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in 2024, has defied conventional wisdom which typically advocates for low- to moderate-intensity exercise during cancer treatment.

During her treatment, which included chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and radiation therapy, Rolle not only maintained her strength but also engaged in a meticulously planned periodized strength training program. This program was designed by her research team at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. It involved aligning high-intensity training days with her chemotherapy cycles, allowing her to squat 441 pounds, bench press 292 pounds, and deadlift 497 pounds – figures that are remarkable for any athlete, let alone someone undergoing cancer treatment.

Rolle's experience challenges a long-standing belief in oncology that patients undergoing treatment should limit their physical activity to gentle exercises. According to Dr. Tracy Crane, R.D.N., co-leader of the cancer research program at Sylvester, "LaShae's journey exemplifies how movement can serve as a form of healing, empowerment, and advocacy for cancer patients. Survivorship is not just about recovery; it is about reclaiming one's strength, identity, and purpose."

Rolle’s study underscores the importance of individualized exercise programming in cancer care. Her training protocol involved high-intensity workouts scheduled before chemotherapy infusions, while lighter sessions were incorporated during recovery periods. This approach not only allowed her to retain 93% of her squat strength and 87% of her bench press and deadlift strength but also provided her with a sense of control and normalcy amid the chaos of cancer treatment.

The findings from Rolle's study are significant as they highlight the potential benefits of high-intensity training in a population that has often been overlooked in exercise research. Previous studies have shown that moderate-intensity exercise can alleviate treatment-related symptoms and improve physical function; however, high-intensity exercise modalities like powerlifting remain underexplored. Rolle's case serves as a powerful reminder that cancer patients can and should engage in physical activities that align with their identities and capabilities.

Rolle documented her training journey through video and maintained a training diary, which she notes was critical for accountability and motivation. She expressed pride in her ability to continue lifting weights during treatment, stating, "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."

In conclusion, LaShae Rolle's groundbreaking study not only contributes to the ongoing discourse about exercise and cancer treatment but also encourages a re-evaluation of exercise prescriptions for cancer patients. As the field of lifestyle oncology continues to evolve, Rolle's advocacy for evidence-based exercise integration into cancer care reflects a promising shift toward empowering patients through strength and movement. Future research should focus on larger-scale studies to further validate these findings and explore how high-intensity training can be safely implemented across various cancer types and treatment protocols. As Rolle herself states, she is "absolutely encouraged to keep lifting and to keep advocating for evidence-based exercise as part of cancer care."