Friday December 30 2011
ONE in three cancer patients is less physically active following treatment despite evidence proving it is "vital in aiding the recovery process", a charity warned today.
Research by Macmillan Cancer Support also found that three quarters of cancer patients said their doctor or nurse did not talk to them about the benefits of physical activity after treatment.
The study, of 1,495 adults, showed 32pc of patients felt less active since treatment, 52pc felt about the same, and 15pc said they did more exercise.
Professor Jane Maher, chief medical officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "We know cancer treatment is tough and gruelling, and many people probably feel they should give their bodies a rest afterwards.
"But even moderate physical activity is vital in aiding the recovery process, and with some cancers in reducing the risk of recurrence and mortality, so if anything we should be expecting an increase. What is more worrying is that so few cancer patients learnt of these benefits through their doctor or nurse.
"This is clear evidence that there is a need for a culture change, to prioritise discussing physical activity and providing the relevant services during and after cancer treatment.
A recent report by Macmillan found bowel cancer patients could reduce the risk of recurrence and of dying from the disease by around 50pc by doing six hours of moderate intensity physical activity a week.
It also showed that breast cancer patients could help reduce the risk of recurrence and of dying by up to 40pc by doing 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week.
Physical activity could also help reduce the risk of side effects, including fatigue and depression.
hnews@herald.ie
- Lizzie Robinson
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