Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest British charitable organizations and provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer. As well as helping with the medical needs of people affected by cancer, Macmillan also looks at the social, emotional and practical impact cancer can have, and campaigns for better cancer care.
In August, Macmillan released a report on Physical Activity for Cancer Survivors. The report states that more than 70% of survivors are struggling with physical side effects between one year and 10 years after treatment. The report includes a comprehensive evidence review of over 60 studies, a survey of 400 health professionals, and findings from programs that offer physical activity services for cancer patients. Links to the full reports are below; the following is a brief summary of the findings:
Physical activity is appropriate
· The American College of Sports Medicine recommends exercise is safe during and after most types of cancer treatment and says survivors should avoid inactivity.
· The Department of Health's guideline of150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week is appropriate for otherwise healthy cancer survivors, built up gradually.
New evidence on physical activity
· Physical activity after treatment for cancer can reduce the impact of some debilitating side effects, such as swelling around the arm, anxiety, depression, fatigue, impaired mobility and weight changes.
· Emerging evidence shows that achieving sufficient activity levels can reduce the risk of dying from breast, bowel and prostate cancer, and reduce the recurrence for breast and bowel.
Lack of awareness of benefits
· Healthcare professionals are not sufficiently aware of this new evidence. One in 10 doctors and nurses still believe it's more important to encourage cancer patients to 'rest up' than undertake physical activity.
· More than half know little or nothing about the benefits of activity in preventing or managing side/long term effects and only six per cent talk to all their patients with cancer about physical activity. Many believe it is not appropriate to do so.
Cancer rehabilitation must include activity
· Physical activity should be part of standard care for all cancers because of its impact on side effects.
· Comprehensive cancer rehabilitation services should include physiotherapy, exercise on referral, commissioned schemes in community leisure centers and signposting to walking groups and others.
· Every person with a cancer diagnosis should be offered a 'brief intervention' on physical activity to encourage them to gradually build up to 150 minutes of physical activity a week, with goals and written resources.
· Doctors need to be appropriately trained in behavioral change techniques such as motivational interviewing to helping patients, often demoralized through cancer, to get active.
The review shows cancer survivors are more likely to become more active if they are advised to by a health professional. TurningPoint physical therapists can help you become more active with an individualized exercise program and we offer a weekly exercise class to help keep you on the move!
Click below for full Macmillan Reports:
*Macmillan Evidence Review and Macmillan Physical Activity Report
