Tumors, what are the effects of constant physical activity

Increasingly consistent data, however, underline that physical activity is also essential in patients with cancer, to maintain a good quality of life and sufficient autonomy, reduce the probability of tumor recurrence and keep bones healthy despite cancer “. From these observations began the analysis that is presented.

“We propose to patients with a cancer diagnosis four months of tailor-made physical activity, through meetings that since the beginning of the pandemic have moved online rather than face-to-face to provide the service ensuring maximum safety for the sick, fragile subjects by definition – says Attilio Parisi, rector of the University of Rome ‘Foro Italico’.

The results show a 13% increase in residual functional capacity, which indicates the ability to perform tasks that require physical effort of any kind at home, at work, in leisure time: a parameter influenced by many factors, for example strength. of the lower limbs which improved in all patients, with an increase of for example 23% in explosive strength.

Flexibility improved by 54%, joint mobility by 14%, muscle strength in getting up from a chair or climbing stairs by 40%: all this translates into a better quality of life and the possibility of maintaining a good degree of autonomy longer. Furthermore, the weight of patients decreased by 2.5%, confirming the importance of providing protocols like these in the rehabilitation of cancer patients “.

Because cancer makes bones difficult

Physical activity is essential after a tumor also to keep bones healthy, as Lorena Incorvaia, oncologist at the University of Palermo adds: “Cancer, due to the direct effect of cancer cells or the therapies used, can cause the loss of bone density thus increasing the risk of osteoporosis. All this can negatively affect inactivity, causing muscle wasting: a healthy and physically active lifestyle, under the direction and strict medical supervision, can help strengthen and maintain adequate muscle tone and improve balance.

After surgery and during oncological therapies there is often the risk of being overwhelmed by a sedentary lifestyle, but resuming or adopting an active lifestyle, together with a correct and balanced diet, results in a lower risk of relapses and an increase in survival compared to those who, after being diagnosed with cancer, remain sedentary ”. Bone fragility after a tumor can also be induced by oncological therapies – explains Rossana Berardi, Professor of Oncology at the Polytechnic University of Marche, Director of the Oncological Clinic of Ospedali Riuniti in Ancona -: in 70-75% of cases of breast cancer, for example, the tumor is positive for estrogen and / or progesterone receptors and hormone therapies, which are effective and life-saving, have as a side effect the alteration of bone tissue and a increased risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

“The fragility of the skeleton and the increased risk of fractures is caused by bone hyper-resorption induced by adjuvant hormone therapy. The holistic approach to the patient is therefore crucial: bone fragility can be tackled and prevented even with the help of physical exercise, but unfortunately the correct habits alone are not enough. We also need pharmacological therapy aimed at defending the bones “.