Position standAustralian Association for Exercise and Sport Science position stand: Optimising cancer outcomes through exercise
Section snippets
Exercise and cancer prevention
One in three Australian men and one in four women will be directly affected by cancer before the age of 75, with melanoma, prostate, colorectal, breast and lung cancers comprising the most common types.1 There are an estimated 108,000 new cancer cases and 41,000 registered cancer deaths each year in Australia, and consequently cancer represents a major public health concern.2 While the causes for many cancers remain unknown, lifestyle factors including physical activity levels are considered
Exercise and cancer recovery
Survival prospects following cancer diagnosis are increasing, with females experiencing higher survival probabilities than males (five-yr relative survival rates are 64% and 58%, respectively).1 For some of the more common forms of cancer, five-yr survival prospects are even higher: melanoma, 92%; breast, 88%; prostate, 85%.1 Whether treatment intention is curative or palliative, the disease and treatment-related side-effects may create numerous problems for the patient. Alone or in
Current status of opportunities for exercise professionals
Despite the high prevalence of physical and psychosocial impairment among cancer survivors, as well as the recognition that cancer rehabilitation is an essential component of cancer care, exercise rehabilitation does not yet form part of standard care. If patients have the inclination and knowledge, they may access resources available within the community to assist in their rehabilitative endeavours. These are somewhat limited, with greater options being available for breast cancer survivors.
Conclusions
Appropriately qualified exercise professionals can influence public health through the prescription of exercise for the prevention of cancer, supporting the medical management of cancer, as well as optimising recovery following cancer diagnosis. While the optimal exercise prescription remains unknown, and may depend on the type of cancer, the cancer treatment undertaken and the characteristics of the patient, it is clear that participation in some activity is better than none, and that more is
Conflict of interest
There are no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.
Acknowledgements
We thank Professor Beth Newman for her significant contributions to this work, and would also like to acknowledge the National Breast Cancer Foundation for the financial support of S. Hayes’ research position.
References (38)
- et al.
Risk of lymphedema after regional nodal irradiation with breast conservation therapy
Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Physics
(2003) - et al.
Assessment and management of cancer-related fatigue in adults
Lancet
(2003) - et al.
Physical activity and cancer control
Sem Oncol Nurs
(2007) - et al.
Physical exercise results in the improved subjective well-being of a few or is effective rehabilitation for all cancer patients?
Eur J Cancer
(2004) - et al.
The development of an evidence-based physical self-management rehabilitation programme for cancer survivors
Patient Educ Counsel
(2008) - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Cancer Australia & Australasian Association of Cancer Registries. Cancer...
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Australia's health 2008. Cat. no. AUS 99. Canberra: AIHW;...
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare & Australasian Association of Cancer Registries. Cancer in Australia: an...
- et al.
Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective
(2007) - et al.
Physical activity in the prevention of cancer
Asian Pac J Cancer Prevent
(2006)
Physical Activity and Cancer Prevention: Pathways and Targets for Intervention
Sports Med
Behavioral risk factors in breast cancer: can risk be modified
Oncologist
Exercise in cancer survivors: an overview of research
Med Sci Sports Exer
Physical exercise and quality of life following cancer diagnosis: a literature review
Ann Behav Med
Controlled physical activity trials in cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Cancer Epi Bio Prevent
Physical exercise as an oncology nursing intervention to enhance quality of life
Oncol Nurs Forum
Exercise in the rehabilitation of breast cancer survivors
Psycho-oncol
Coping with cancer: can exercise help?
Physician Sportsmed
Exercise after breast cancer: research evidence and clinical guidelines
Physician Sportsmed
Cited by (234)
Physical Activity Levels in People with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review
2023, Seminars in Oncology NursingProtective effects of physical activity in colon cancer and underlying mechanisms: A review of epidemiological and biological evidence
2022, Critical Reviews in Oncology/HematologyExercise Therapy and Radiation Therapy for Cancer: A Systematic Review
2021, International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics