Further reading - This article is very informative indeed
Moving Forward: Why Australia is Prescribing Exercise for Cancer
By Francis McGrath
Hello everyone,
If you are going through cancer treatment, resting might feel like the safest thing to do. But doctors in Australia are changing how we think about staying active during treatment. They have started to offer a new kind of support: an exercise prescription.
What’s happening in Australia?
In 2018, the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia reviewed a large body of research. They found that being active helps so much that it should be a normal part of cancer care. For many people, it can be as routine as taking their medicine.
A large review of the research (Cormie and colleagues, 2017) found that safe exercise, both during and after treatment, can help in many ways. It can:
• reduce tiredness
• help keep your muscles strong
• help you cope better with treatment
• lift your mood and ease worry
In Australia, people with cancer can be referred to specially trained exercise professionals (known as exercise physiologists), who build a programme around their needs. It is treated as an important part of treatment and recovery, not an optional extra.
What does this mean for you?
You do not need to live in Australia to feel the benefits of moving your body. You can start right now, at home.
It does not have to be hard. You do not need to run a race or lift heavy weights. Small things count: walking around the garden, stretching in a chair, or putting on some music and dancing in the kitchen. The key is to find something you enjoy and to build it up slowly.
Your next step: find a home exercise routine
Your goal for this week is to find one home exercise that suits your body and your energy levels. Always speak to your cancer nurse or doctor before you start anything new, so you know it is safe for you. To help you get started, here are some trusted UK websites with free home exercises:
• NHS — Exercise (Fitness Studio videos): free home workout videos, from gentle chair-based stretches and yoga to more active routines.
• Macmillan Cancer Support — Physical activity and cancer: clear, practical advice and exercise guidance written for people living with cancer.
• We Are Undefeatable: a friendly campaign that helps people with health conditions stay active. Their “Five in Five” mini-workout is easy to adjust to how you feel each day.
Remember, a little movement goes a long way. Take it one day at a time, listen to your body, and find what works for you.
References
Cormie, P., Zopf, E. M., Zhang, X., & Schmitz, K. H. (2017). The impact of exercise on cancer mortality, recurrence, and treatment-related adverse effects. Epidemiologic Reviews, 39(1), 71–92.
Cormie, P., Atkinson, M., Bucci, L., et al. (2018). Clinical Oncology Society of Australia position statement on exercise in cancer care. Medical Journal of Australia, 209(4), 184–187.