Have you ever asked your oncologist “What is something I can do for myself?”

The evidence of the benefits of exercise and physical activity during cancer treatment is extensive. (1)

However for many cancer patients the thought of another health appointment and commitment to another cancer treatment is very daunting.

The demands on your time for treatment are significant. They make family duties, work, community and other physical activity hard to maintain. Even so, a strong body and mind will allow you to keep doing the things you enjoy.

Effects of Cancer Treatments

Throughout chemotherapy, radiation therapy or immunotherapy treatment, you may experience increased

• fatigue
• pain
• pins and needles in your extremities (peripheral neuropathy)
• excess fluid swelling (lymphedema)
• low mood
• muscle weakness

How Exercise Can Help

Exercise counters these symptoms, reducing fatigue, preserving physical functioning and reducing anxiety and depression. (2), (3)

 It gives personal control and a sense of agency, switching feelings of guilt to a responsibility approach. (4) 

After surgery you may feel

• Restricted in your movement
• Weaker than prior to your operation
• Have difficulty with everyday activities or fulfilling your role in the family or community

 This is a very overwhelming time. After your cancer diagnosis, your multi-disciplinary team will understandably prioritise your immediate needs. The result of this is that exercise prescription often falls down the list, despite how important we now know physical activity is. (5)

And so, is Physiotherapy effective during cancer treatment?

Physiotherapy is an important pillar within your cancer care team, which may include health professionals such as

• Dietitian for assistance with getting the right nutritional intake. This works hand in hand with exercise programs to build strength (muscle) and tone the body (reduce fat)
• Psychologist for mental well-being, with exercise and movement providing mood boosting endorphins
• Social worker for assistance with family and financial affairs. Seeing your GP for an Enhanced Care Plan may provide you with up to 5 subsidised sessions of Physiotherapy per year. Alternatively check your private health insurance for annual allowances.
• Occupational Therapist who provides everyday living support and works collaboratively with a Physiotherapist. They help to get you moving within your residence and around the community
• Complementary services including lymphatic and remedial massage

 How we can help

At West Pennant Hills Physiotherapy, we focus on providing holistic physical rehabilitation programs to help reduce these symptoms and empower you with self-management strategies.

We collaborate with your referring GP, oncologist or surgeon to address your immediate concerns, be they symptom management, improving treatment tolerance or simply a return to a normal health status.

We start with an initial assessment to work with you on optimising your physical and mental condition now with the anticipation of what is on the horizon.

• Pre-operation conditioning – core strengthening and pelvic floor exercises prior to prostatectomy for prostate cancer, upper limb strengthening and resistance exercise prior to mastectomy for breast cancer. (1)
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy conditioning – integrating exercise prescription into your lifestyle to increase physical activity, in order to reduce fatigue. (6)
• Post-op care and functional improvement – restoring continence, upper limb range, strength and conditioning.

Beyond Physiotherapy, West Pennant Hills Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries Centre we provide

• Lymphatic massage
• Remedial massage
• Return to sport rehabilitation services to resume activities you enjoy
• One on one and group exercise programs classes

Please make an appointment for a functional assessment to restore energy and get stronger, physically and mentally.

FAQ’s

Is physiotherapy good for cancer patients?

The primary goal of a physiotherapist during cancer treatment is to enhance muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance. A key focus is on effective pain management through pain-relief techniques and modalities.

Additionally, maintaining joint mobility is a key factor. This is achieved by incorporating active and passive range of motion exercises, as needed. It supports overall physical fitness and improve quality of life for cancer patients.

Consulting the right health professionals can lead towards better healthy lifestyle behaviours, and another part of your cancer care.

What are physiotherapy guidelines for cancer patients?

Engaging in mild to moderate sessions of exercise intensity can be highly beneficial for cancer patients. Incorporating a cardiovascular component, such as walking, along with targeted strengthening exercises, can improve overall physical wellbeing and help manage fatigue.

These activities should be carefully timed to avoid exacerbating oncological treatment-related symptoms, particularly during chemotherapy sessions. It is recommended to consult with an oncology physiotherapist or healthcare professional to create a safe and personalised physical activity plan tailored to individual needs.

Can physical activity help fight cancer?

Being physically active can significantly lower your cancer risk by helping you maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for overall health.

Regular nutrition and physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk factors of several types of cancer, including breast cancer and colorectal cancer, independent of weight management.

Engaging in exercise and other physical activity helps regulate hormone levels, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion, all of which can contribute to lowering your cancer risk.

Making physical therapy a part of your daily routine is a meaningful step toward cancer prevention and enhanced well-being. Following a health professionals exercise guidelines can be a path towards enhanced cancer rehabilitation.

What is the best exercise for cancer patients?

Cancer patients are strongly encouraged to incorporate regular aerobic exercise—such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling—and muscle strength training exercises like lifting weights, or using resistance training and balance exercises for cancer patients whose disease has not metastasised.

Aerobic exercises and other physical activity play a vital role in improving cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and lungs, boosting endurance, and enhancing overall energy levels.

Strength training, on the other hand, helps build muscle mass, improve bone density, and maintaining physical activity, which is particularly important during and after cancer treatment to support recovery and quality of life.

Can exercise stop cancer from spreading?

Physical activity plays a crucial role in regulating the levels of metastatic factors throughout each stage of the metastatic process. Research suggests that engaging in moderate-intensity exercise programs can significantly help prevent tumor spread within the body.

This is achieved through several mechanisms, including the normalisation of angiogenesis, which ensures a more regulated blood supply to tissues.

Additionally, moderate exercise helps destroy circulating tumor cells, reducing their ability to form new growths and decreasing endothelial cell permeability, thereby making it more difficult for cancer cells to invade other areas.

These findings underscore the importance of regular exercise and physical activity as a complementary approach in cancer prevention and management strategies.

What is the number one cancer fighting food?

The list of top cancer-fighting foods often includes nutrient-packed options like berries, broccoli, tomatoes, walnuts, grapes, and other fruits, vegetables, and nuts. These foods are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help protect cells from damage.

“If you look at the typical foods that reduce cancer risk, it’s predominantly plant-based foods containing phytochemicals,” says Lindsey Wohlford, a wellness dietitian at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Phytochemicals, found naturally in plants, are powerful compounds that may reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and help prevent the development of cancer cells.

Incorporating a variety of these whole, plant-based foods into your diet is a proactive way to nourish your body and support overall health.

How do you increase your chances of beating cancer?

Being physically active has been consistently linked to significant health benefits for those battling cancer.

Studies indicate that increased exercise is associated with a 40% to 50% reduced risk factors of mortality among patients with breast, colon, or prostate cancers.

Physical activity not only strengthens the immune system but also helps reduce cancer-related fatigue, alleviate depression, and minimise the side effects of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, not only improves physical strength and cardiovascular health but also enhances mental well-being, offering a comprehensive approach to cancer recovery and survivorship.

References

(1) – ‘Five Facts About Physiotherapy Cancer Care‘ , Australian Physiotherapy Association.

(2) ‘Attention to Diet, Weight and Exercise in Oncology Care‘, American Cancer Society

(3) ‘Systematic Review of Functional Outcomes in Cancer Rehabilitation‘, American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine

(4) ‘“You Do Not Get Cancer By Chance”: Communicating the role of environmental causes in cancer diseases and the risk of a ‘guilt rhetoric’. , Journal of the Psychological, Social and Behavioural Dimensions of Cancer

(5) ‘Physiotherapy and Physical Activity as Factors Improving the Psychological State of Patients’, Frontiers in Psychology

(6) ‘Long Term Effects of Breast Cancer Surgery, Treatment, and Survivor Care’ ,Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health