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 individualised 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 oestrogen 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 Centre, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, designed a periodized strength training programme to align with her chemo cycles.

• High-intensity days were scheduled before chemo infusions and focused on squats, bench press and deadlifts.
• Moderate days aligned with mid-cycle sessions involving accessory movements like rows and shoulder presses.
• Recovery days included light mobility and therapy work after an infusion.

Each session was adjusted based on real-time symptom tracking and perceived exertion (RPE), creating a feedback loop that prioritised 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 programme and director of Lifestyle Medicine, Prevention and Digital Health at Sylvester.

For Rolle, being a part of this case study confirmed how critical individualised, flexible programmes 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.

Source: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine