Exercise is not a common topic of discussion for many cancer patients and their oncologists, according to a Mayo Clinic study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. In fact, many patients with cancer are hesitant to exercise.
Study results showed that cancer patients who exercised regularly prior to their diagnosis were more likely to exercise after their diagnosis compared with those who had not exercised. Furthermore, many patients considered daily activities, such as gardening, adequate exercise.
“There was a real sense of ‘What I do every day, that’s my exercise,’” says lead author Andrea Cheville, MD, of Mayo Clinic’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She notes that most patients didn’t realize that daily activities tend to require minimal effort. “Most were not aware that inactivity can contribute to weakening of the body and greater vulnerability to problems, including symptoms of cancer.”
Researchers also determined that patients took exercise advice most seriously when it came directly from their oncologists; however, none of those patients studied had discussed it with their providers.
“Generally, patients are not being given concrete advice about exercise to help them maintain functionality and to improve their outcomes,” Cheville says.
Source: Mayo Clinic.
To sign up for our newsletter or print publications, please enter your contact information below.
