Latest Doctors News
Doctors urged to encourage cancer patients to exercise
Published On: 8th August 2011
By: Elizabeth Smythe
A leading charity is urging cancer patients to exercise, as a way to keep the disease from returning.
Macmillan Cancer Support is calling for GPs and locum agencies doctors to prescribe exercise to those who have overcome illness and those who are currently undergoing treatment, rather than advising them to rest, according to the BBC News.
The recommendation comes after an analysis of more than 60 studies revealed that being active has a beneficial impact on mental well-being and does not, as formerly thought, "worsen fatigue."
The research showed that exercise also alleviated side effects following treatment, such as anxiety, depression, weight fluctuation, swelling and restricted mobility.
It found that exercising to the "recommended levels" can reduce the re occurrence of breast cancer by 40 per cent and reduce the risk of dying from prostate cancer by 30 per cent.
Doing a moderate six hours of exercise - e.g. brisk walking, cleaning, gardening or cycling - each week could result in the chances of dying from bowel cancer being slashed in half.
Jane Maher, chief medical officer for Macmillan Cancer Support told the Mail Online: "If physical exercise were a drug, it would be hitting the headlines.
"There really needs to be a cultural change so that health professionals see physical activity as an intergral part of cancer aftercare, not just an optional add-on."