Position stand
Australian Association for Exercise and Sport Science position stand: Optimising cancer outcomes through exercise

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2009.03.002Get rights and content

Abstract

Cancer represents a major public health concern in Australia. Causes of cancer are multifactorial with lack of physical activity being considered one of the known risk factors, particularly for breast and colorectal cancers. Participating in exercise has also been associated with benefits during and following treatment for cancer, including improvements in psychosocial and physical outcomes, as well as better compliance with treatment regimens, reduced impact of disease symptoms and treatment-related side-effects, and survival benefits for particular cancers. The general exercise prescription for people undertaking or having completed cancer treatment is of low to moderate intensity, regular frequency (3–5 times/week) for at least 20 min per session, involving aerobic, resistance or mixed exercise types. Future work needs to push the boundaries of this exercise prescription, so that we can better understand what constitutes optimal, desirable and necessary frequency, duration, intensity and type, and how specific characteristics of the individual (e.g., age, cancer type, treatment, presence of specific symptoms) influence this prescription. What follows is a summary of the cancer and exercise literature, in particular the purpose of exercise following diagnosis of cancer, the potential benefits derived by cancer patients and survivors from participating in exercise programs, and exercise prescription guidelines and contraindications or considerations for exercise prescription with this special population. This report represents the position stand of the Australian Association of Exercise and Sport Science on exercise and cancer recovery and has the purpose of guiding exercise practitioners in their work with cancer patients.

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.

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