Is it Safe for Cancer Patients to Exercise During Treatment?

Do You Know Someone who has Been Diagnosed with Cancer?

I’m sure many of you answered this question “yes” as every 6th death that occurs within the world is due to cancer. An estimated 1.8 million people were diagnosed with cancer just so far this year and, 600,000 will lose their life prematurely to the disease this year as well. Many individuals who are diagnosed with cancer have to undergo invasive chemotherapy or radiation treatments post-surgery, to try and remove any reaming harmful cells from their body. Chemotherapy is given through a port that is surgically placed inside the patient. These types of treatments completely wipe out the patient’s immune system, which puts them at an extremely high risk for developing different diseases and side effects as pictured below.

The Importance of Staying Active During Treatment:

Two of the most commonly seen side effects across the chemotherapy population, regardless of the type of cancer are fatigue and loss of muscle mass. This is due to chemotherapy causing significant changes in eating habits. With that being said, almost all of the literature supported the implementation of an exercise program into chemotherapy patient’s care plans. Research has proven that by adding as little intensity as an at home walking program will decrease fatigue levels and several other side effects caused by chemotherapy.

What if Someone Wasn’t Active Before Getting Diagnosed with Cancer?

As common as cancer is the disease is most frequently seen within individuals ages 65-74. There is a strong possibility that this age group is not at their peak levels of physical activity and fitness. Some members of this age group may be hesitant when a workout program is presented to them to complete alongside undergoing chemotherapy treatments. If the patient is sedentary and not active they are putting themselves at a higher risk of taking on a greater amount of side effects. Therefore, it is essential that we ensure the older cancer population that even by incorporating the smallest bouts of exercise into their lives can result in a serious decline regarding the severity of their side effects. Dana-Farber cancer institute reported on a man named John Barrett who was 69 years old and diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. When John found out that chemotherapy was going to be a part of his post-surgery treatment he wanted to find a way to make his transition into chemotherapy as smooth on his body as possible. Once John was informed on what a significant impact exercise and physical activity can have on the severity of the side effects he decided to become a certified physical trainer. John and several other exercise physiologists at Dana-Farber worked together to educate the cancer patients on the importance of incorporating exercise into their lives. John shared his inspiring story on the “Beyond Cancer” podcast. 

Maximal Fitness Testing on Cancer Patients:

We usually look at this population and classify them as frail, weak or sick individuals. A study by the Scandinavian journal of sports medicine Knutsen, (2016) challenged these stereotypes through a study that had chemotherapy patients participate in a series of maximal fitness testing. Before the individuals started chemotherapy a series of baseline 1 rep max and vo2 max test were performed on the individuals. While undergoing chemotherapy treatments the subjects would perform the same series of test once a week for a nine-week period. This motivated the subjects to set goals during treatment, while staying motivated to at least maintain their baseline results through treatment. Interestingly enough none of the subjects fell below their baseline results over the nine-week period. Instead, some of the subjects received higher scores on their max test as they continued to exercise while undergoing treatment. 

What STILL Needs to be Done:

The discovery of the positive impact exercise can have on cancer patients is a newer finding within the field of oncology. With that being said, many diagnosed individuals are unware of the benefits. It is our job as healthcare workers, caregivers and oncologist to educate cancer patients on how significantly their side effects can be declined if they incorporate exercise and physical activity into their lives. Many YMCA'shave programs dedicated to these findings. In a study conducted by Kirkham, (2018) one oncologist referred their patients to a group setting program that focused on exercise, mental health and nutrition for cancer patients. The program provided a group atmosphere that allowed people battling with cancer connect with one another and share their stories. The program was also highly beneficial as the subjects were educated on how important it was for them to be active while undergoing treatment, along with remaining a balanced diet to avoid weight loss. Out of all of my research this was the only study I found that reflected oncologist and exercise experts working together. It is essential that these two parties work together to spread the word about these findings, along with communicating about new results to ensure that optimal care is being provided to this population.

About the Author:

My name is Julianne Moriarty and I’m a senior Sports Medicine student in the Movement Science Department at Westfield State University. I’m very passionate about this topic as my dad was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Angiosarcoma in 2018. One day when I’m an occupational therapist I know I will be working with this population and plan to share my extensive knowledge on this topic with my patients. 

References

Kirkham, A. A., Van Patten, C. L., Gelmon, K. A., McKenzie, D. C., Bonsignore, A., Bland, K. A., & Campbell, K. L. (2018). Effectiveness of Oncologist‐Referred Exercise and Healthy Eating Programming as a Part of Supportive Adjuvant Care for Early Breast Cancer. Oncologist, 23(1), 105–115. 

Knutsen, L., Quist, M., Midtgaard, J., Rorth, M., & Adamsen, L. (2016). Maximum physical capacity testing in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: qualitative findings from an exercise program. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 16(6), 403–411.