Physical Activity
Evidence suggests that being physically active during and after cancer can:
Improve physical and psychological well-being- Reduce the risk of consequences of treatment
- Improve overall survival rates and reduce the risk of recurrence
- Reduce the risk of co-morbidities (two or more medical conditions)
Download the NCSI evidence review below for further information.
The American College of Sports Medicine’s exercise guidelines for cancer survivors recommends:
‘Exercise is safe both during and after most types of cancer treatment, including intensive life-threatening treatments such as bone marrow transplant. Patients are advised to avoid inactivity and return to normal daily activities as soon as possible after surgery and during cancer treatments. The standard age appropriate guidelines are still appropriate for cancer patients’.
The Department of Health’s programme, Let’s Get Moving, provides the NHS with a standard model of care and resources for commissioning and delivering the NICE recommendations for brief interventions in physical activity.
The Assessment and Care Planning test community, BACSUP, have been have been piloting a physical activity programme which is an excellent example of models of care and patient outcomes.
Last updated on August 25, 2011