In Italy we are a bit behind, in a condition that is still experimental, so to speak, when it comes to physical activity in cancer patients, but something is moving, also strong from the evidence that is beginning to accumulate in the field. Because moving, how and when you can, really helps patients struggling with cancer and therapies. The motto – to take up the recommendations of the American Cancer Society – should be to always move, because physical activity is good both before, during and after cancer and the treatments it entails.
Lung cancer, the first immunotherapy for the early phase approved in Europe
by Dario Rubino
The benefits of physical activity for cancer patients
He remembers it well Alice Avancini, researcher kinesiologist at the Integrated University Hospital of Verona and expert in physical exercise in people with chronic diseases, especially tumors: “Even if still little treated, that of physical exercise for cancer patients is a topic in which there is now evidence that we are told that moving after a diagnosis is beneficial because it helps maintain strength and muscle mass, decreases inflammation, modulates the immune system, improves respiratory fitness, helps fight cancer-related fatigue and also better tolerate toxicity related to treatments “. Not to mention that, alongside the biological benefits, there are also mental ones: keeping active helps to fight anxiety and depression and helps to maintain a good level of autonomy in daily life.
Tumors in younger people, so sport becomes a real therapy
by Barbara Orrico
Little is better than nothing
Even when the disease limits exercise: “The general rule is that moving is always better than not doing it”, resumes Avancini, who took part in the cycle of training meetings Meet2Talk, the initiative promoted by Roche dedicated to information and ” in-depth study of issues dear to lung cancer patients and their families, which ends on 21 June with the last of the scheduled meetings. “Patients with lung cancer can particularly benefit from physical activity: exercise, in fact, can help increase the strength of the respiratory muscles and lung function”, explains Avancini, who follows many patients with lung cancer. as well as to the breast and pancreas within the project carried out at the University of Verona.
Breast cancer prevention is also done in the gym
by Dario Rubino
Customization and flexibility of workouts
The modalities of the project – open to all patients who are referred by oncologists or nutritionists – are different and provide group training programs, with personal trainers and even remotely, with periodic telephone meetings. All set up starting from the evaluation of the patient, based on his state of health, the treatments followed and the level of general fitness. “If it is true that in fact there are guidelines on the type of physical activity to be carried out for cancer patients, the basic principle is that of personalizing the exercise according to the possibilities of each one – explains Avancini – so, for example, we have patients who do only 10 ‘of exercise, others instead participate in mountain bike races “. The key point, therefore, is the development of a plan that is suitable for everyone, starting from general guidelines: “On average, we recommend at least 90 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, with activities such as walking, cycling or swimming, which involve movements cyclical – the expert goes on – the concept is that the patient must feel an effort by which he can speak, but he feels that the rhythm of his breathing increases. This is combined with a couple of activities to maintain muscle strength ”. But when conditions change, training changes too: “The aim is to do something, even a little, but that helps the patient to maintain his autonomy as much as possible”.