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Exercise medicine in cancer care
Prue Cormie Mark Trevaskis Elysia Thornton-Benko Eva M Zopf
Prue Cormie
Mark Trevaskis
Elysia Thornton-Benko
Eva M Zopf
Abstract
Background
Every four minutes, an Australian is diagnosed with cancer. Early detection and effective treatment means that many of these people are living with the side effects of cancer and its treatment for numerous years.
Objective
The aim of this article is to summarise the evidence examining the role of exercise in cancer care.
Discussion
Exercise is a safe and effective adjunct therapy in cancer care. Patients with cancer who regularly engage in moderate-intensity exercise are more likely to have: fewer and less severe treatment-related side effects; a lower relative risk of developing other chronic diseases; and, in some cases, a lower relative risk of cancer recurrence and mortality. Available evidence highlights the benefits of general practitioners (GPs) discussing and recommending exercise to their patients with cancer. To optimise the therapeutic effect of exercise, GPs may consider referring patients with cancer to an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist who has experience in cancer care.
Keywords
cancer, exercise
Date
2020
Type
Journal article
Journal
Australian Journal of General Practice
Book
Volume
49
Issue
4
Page Range
169-174
Article Number
ACU Department
Centre for Exercise and Nutrition
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled