Exercise and Cancer

Exercise and cancer have become a vital unifying factor in the evolution of cancer treatment. Cancer patients have started reducing bed rest to achieve their prescribed daily exercise routine provided by Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP’s), which have tremendously proved to increase their physical and emotional well-being.

Exercise has been established as one of the most important cancer treatments by oncologists. Better yet, whether you’re in remission, a survivor, in the deep stages of cancer or do not have cancer, making exercise a regular part of your lifestyle aids in cancer prevention and rehabilitation

Our professional AEP’s at PridePlus Health believe, along with a growing amount of research from exercise and cancer oncologists, that physical activity is a vital part of a cancer treatment plan, as well greatly lowers the risk of non-cancer patients and cancer survivors.

Integrating exercise as the standard care for cancer has been proven to improve the following during and after cancer treatment:

  • Physical function
  • Reduces the side effects of chemotherapy
  • Reduces lymphedema
  • Quality of life
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

Custom Cancer Exercise Prescription

At PridePlus Health, we aim to develop cancer oncology-approved exercise routines and prescriptions that will help with the management of and lower the risk of developing particular cancers such as breast, kidney, colon, endometrial, stomach, bladder and esophagus cancer. 

It is especially crucial for prostate, colon and breast cancer survivors to incorporate exercise into their daily lifestyle to prevent a cancer recurrence.

If you’re living with a cancer diagnosis, book an appointment with our Accredited Exercise Physiologists in Pascoe Vale for a custom cancer exercise routine that best meets your needs, abilities and preferences.

exercise and cancer
exercise and cancer

Cancer Oncology: Exercise to Manage Cancer

A media statement released by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) states that exercise and cancer oncologists highly recommend ‘exercise prescription’ in cancer treatment, recovery and prevention.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), “With more than 43 million cancer survivors worldwide, we have a growing need to address the unique health issues facing people living with and beyond cancer and better understand how exercise may help prevent and control cancer,”.

Exercise oncology leaders at ESSA, the ACSM, the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute have therefore gathered to:

  • Design practical recommendations on including exercise as a treatment for cancer.

  • Provide the necessary tools to ensure Australian allied health professionals can prescribe targeted cancer exercise plans that provide maximum benefit.

  • Develop a Cancer Exercise Trainer certification which can be obtained by fitness professionals to prescribe exercises that help manage and prevent cancer.

Latest Best Practices in Exercise and Cancer

From cancer patients being prescribed ‘rest’ to being prescribed ‘exercise’, the new ACSM guidelines align with ESSA’s exercise in cancer management guidelines to revolutionise cancer treatment. 

This has been achieved by providing Accredited Exercise Physiologists and clinicians with a complete framework.

This framework includes the new evidence-based guidance and recommendations which helps create tailored and personalised exercise and cancer prescriptions:

  1. Exercise is vital for cancer prevention and lowers the risk of developing 7 common types of cancer - breast, kidney, colon, endometrial, stomach, bladder and esophagus cancer.
  2. Cancer survivors should exercise to improve survival following colon, prostate or breast cancer.
  3. Cancer exercise has a host of benefits during and after treatment - improves physical functioning, quality of life, fatigue, anxiety and depression, and reduces lymphedema and the side effects of chemotherapy.
  4. Continue research into the integration of exercise into cancer care.
  5. Develop practical cancer exercise treatments using evidence on the positive effects of exercise for cancer patients.

Exercise physiologists are therefore best-placed in prescribing tailored cancer-based exercise advice and have established a great position in exercise and cancer healthcare.

Book an appointment with our Accredited Exercise Physiologists in Pascoe Vale for a custom exercise prescription tailored to your needs and priorities.

References

The comprehensive review and recommendations are outlined in three academic papers published in two scientific journals: