now mirrored by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). Dr Eric Asher, medical director at Te
Tird Space Medicine – the medical offering at premium health club Te Tird Space, in London – believes the new advice is remark- ably sensible and can also help psychological wellbeing: “When you exercise you breathe better, use muscle, promote blood flow, build up the immune system – all of which is important during a fight against cancer. Te decision to exercise is also reflective of a health-giving mindset.” Te call to exercise may seem logical, but
until now those in treatment have oſten been encouraged to put their feet up. A recent Macmillan survey of 400 UK health pro- fessionals showed that one in 10 doctors and nurses still believe it is more impor- tant to encourage patients to rest rather than undertake physical activity. Te same survey indicated that more than half know little or nothing about the benefits of exercise, while only 6 per cent talk to their cancer patients about being more active. Ten there are the scientists who argue that it’s impossible to prove that exercise could be a major under-
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lying cause behind improved recovery rates. Tere are certainly going to be challenges in communicating the message that sufferers need to move more during treatment, build- ing up to two-and-a-half to three hours of vigorous exercise a week. Not surprisingly, opinion varies as to
which type of exercise is suitable, especially as cancers create strains on different parts of the body. “Whole body, aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling or swimming is good for individuals because of the metabolic and psychological effects, while gentle resistance training and stretch- ing is also helpful,” says Dr Sarah Dauncey, medical director at Nuffield Health Wellbe- ing – a UK group which runs 14 integrated medical and wellness facilities on top of 50-plus health clubs. “Te type of cancer and previous medi-
cal interventions may affect the exercise prescription given, however. For example, radiotherapy and chemotherapy can affect the way the heart and lungs work, while other interventions can compromise the immune system or bone health, all of which needs to be factored in.”
Nuffield Health in the UK is creating an exercise programme for cancer sufferers
Asher points out that vigorous, not violent,
exercise should be recommended to avoid jar- ring of the body: “Pilates, swimming, cycling, t’ai chi are all activities that are unlikely to cause injuries, while improving wellbeing, helping to modulate pain pathways and counteracting the wasting of muscles. Cer- tain individuals need to be cautious about placing unhealthy stresses on bones.”
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