World Cancer Day
On February 4 it is World Cancer Day, providing everyone around the globe the opportunity to show support, spread awareness and to take action on a personal level or encourage increased action from our governments. As Physiotherapists we are finding more and more evidence that exercise and physical activity can play a key role in both the prevention and treatment of cancer. To commemorate World Cancer Day this year we would like to share this information with you.
Exercise’s role in Cancer prevention
Exercise in general has a wide range of benefits. It helps support healthy function of your musculoskeletal, endocrinologic, immunologic and digestive systems. Exercise’s role in reducing body fat and maintaining a healthy weight plays a critical part in preventing a number of cancers.
Research has found strong evidence that meeting the physical activity guidelines decreases the risk of colon, endometrial and postmenopausal breast cancers. Completing vigorous physical activity has been found to reduce the risk of pre and post menopausal breast cancer. The figure below outlines the findings:
Sedentary Behaviours
In addition to increasing physical activity it is also important that we reduce our sedentary behaviours, as these have been shown to increase the risk of certain cancers. In the modern world it can be quite easy to spend a large proportion of our day seated. Activities such as driving our cars, sitting at a desk for work or watching Tv of an evening can take up the majority of our days. The World Health Organisation have estimated that 23% of adults worldwide fail to reach the recommended physical activity levels each week. This percentage is thought to be higher in high income countries.
People whose work is sedentary need to take special care to build physical activity into their everyday lives. The World Health Organisation advises adults to be active daily and do at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or at least 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week. We consider this the minimum amount necessary.
The Role of Exercise in Cancer Treatment
Although in the past, it may have been recommended to rest to allow their body to best fight the cancer, experts are now recommending exercise both during and after cancer treatment.
The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) have released a statement recommending that doctors prescribe exercise to their patients with cancer. Their position is supported by 25 cancer organisations, including the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Cancer Council.
The good news is that exercise can help to alleviate some of the side effects of cancer and its treatment, and improve outcomes for people with cancer.
Staying active helps to maintain or enhance your physical fitness, reduce fatigue, relieve mental distress and improve your overall quality of life.
Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment and can occur at any stage of the disease. Other side effects include reduced fitness, muscle weakness, difficulty undertaking daily activities, as well as depression and anxiety.
They are recommending people with cancer be as physically active as their current ability and conditions allow. For significant health benefits, they should aim for:
Moderate intensity aerobic exercise (such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming) for a minimum of 150 minutes weekly.
two to three sessions of resistance exercise targeting the major muscle groups at moderate to vigorous intensity each week (such as weight lifting).
Recommendations
Be at least moderately physically active and follow or exceed national guidelines
Limit sedentary habits
Moderate-intensity activities include:
- walking
- cycling
- household chores
- gardening
- swimming
- dancing
Vigorous-intensity activities include:
- running
- fast swimming
- fast cycling
- Aerobics
- Team sports
Happy to help!
If you or someone you know would like some advice on how to increase their physical activity levels contact us on 9754 8772.
We provide a 'Free Initial Assessment' where you can have your condition assessed by a physiotherapist who will advised you what is the most appropriate treatment(s) for you
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