Exercise oncology is a specialised field within oncology (the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer) that focuses on the role of physical activity and exercise in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. It encompasses a range of interventions and strategies aimed at improving the physical and psychological well-being of cancer patients and survivors through structured exercise programs.
Research in this field aims to understand how exercise can impact various aspects of cancer care, including reducing the risk of developing certain types of cancer, improving treatment outcomes, managing side effects of cancer treatment, and enhancing overall quality of life for cancer survivors. The field of exercise oncology recognises that physical activity can have numerous benefits for cancer patients and survivors, including:
1. Improved physical function and fitness: Exercise can help improve cardiovascular health, muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance, which may be compromised during cancer treatment.
2. Enhanced quality of life: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce fatigue, anxiety, depression, and other side effects of cancer and its treatments, while improving mood and overall well-being.
3. Reduced risk of cancer recurrence: Some research suggests that exercise may lower the risk of cancer recurrence and improve survival rates among cancer survivors.
4. Management of treatment-related side effects: Exercise can help mitigate the side effects of cancer treatment, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, neuropathy, cardiotoxicity, and lymphedema.
5. Maintenance of healthy body weight: Regular exercise can help cancer survivors maintain a healthy body weight, which is important for reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and improving overall health.
Exercise interventions are tailored to the individual needs and preferences of each patient, taking into account their specific cancer diagnosis, treatment regimen, fitness level, and any other medical considerations. Exercise oncologists conduct research to further understand the mechanisms by which exercise affects cancer biology and to optimise exercise prescriptions for different stages of cancer care.
Overall, exercise oncology represents an important and growing area of research and clinical practice aimed at optimising the health and well-being of individuals affected by cancer throughout the continuum of care.
Our exercise physiologist, Rachel, specialises in exercise oncology and will work with your multidisciplinary team to optimise patient outcomes and improve overall quality of life.