THE BENEFIT OF
EXERCISE FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS
Evidence is increasingly pointing to the importance of exercise for those receiving a cancer diagnosis , writes exercise scientist and behavioural epidemiologist Professor Erica James .
M ore than 40 % of new cancer cases are linked to lifestyle
factors , and about one third of all cancers are preventable through following a healthy diet , being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight . The link between good health and exercise is well established and more cancer specialists are prescribing exercise as part of treatment plans for their patients .
The side effects of treatment
With treatment for cancer comes many different side effects and physical changes that can make the idea of going for a run or joining a group exercise class very unappealing .
However , even small lifestyle changes during and after treatment can reduce the side effects , improve quality of life , and reduce the risk of breast cancer returning . It ’ s important at this time , therefore , to engage in healthy behaviours that will aid in recovery .
The side effects of treatment can be , at times , debilitating for patients . I have had patients tell me they thought they knew what it felt like to be really tired – they have had small children , done shift work , had interrupted sleep – but cancer-related fatigue is a whole new world .
It can feel counter-intuitive to move rather than rest at this time , but incorporating movement into the day will help to improve quality of life and increase energy levels .
Being active and having good
sleep hygiene - or health habits around sleep - is important . This means avoiding naps during the day , avoiding caffeine after lunchtime , and having a regular bedtime routine .
How much should cancer patients exercise ?
The exercise and movement recommendations for those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis are similar to that of the general population . 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity a week , or at least 30 minutes of movement on at least five days of the week , is recommended , as well as two or three strength-based activities .
However , each individual will be different . Whenever there ' s been a major medical issue like a cancer diagnosis , it ' s really important that exercise prescription be tailored to the person ' s individual circumstances . This is where expert advice from an exercise physiologist comes into play .
The exercise physiologist ’ s role
In Australia ,
ESSA ( Exercise & Sports Science Australia ), the organisation that looks after exercise prescription , accredits exercise physiologists and ensures they can safely prescribe a personalised exercise plan for those who have chronic diseases like cancer .
People with cancer or other chronic diseases can use the
ESSA website to find an accredited exercise professional in their local area to help them get moving safely .
Financial assistance
Training with an exercise physiologist can be another expense during an already tough financial time of a person ’ s life , so those exploring this option should approach their GP about getting Medicare-subsidised assistance . In Australia , we are fortunate to have a Medicare-funded scheme called a
Chronic Disease Management plan . Individuals with cancer or other chronic diseases can visit their GP and tell them that they want to see an exercise physiologist . The GP can then write plan that can include up to five Medicare-subsidised visits with an exercise physiologist in a 12-month period .
In these subsidised visits individuals can get an assessment ,
NETWORK SUMMER 2020 | 39