More and more studies point the finger sports interest for people with cancer. A group of experts from the National Cancer Institute (Inca) has dug into the subject and has just released a report on the benefits of physical activity before and after cancer (report which can be downloaded here).
In France, the population living with a diagnosis of cancer (during treatment or after
treatment) is increasing, due in particular to earlier diagnoses and improved survival. Preventing a sedentary lifestyle and promoting an active lifestyle therefore appears to be a new challenge in cancer care.
This support “no longer aims only to treat the cancerous disease but to consider the patient as a whole to reduce their risks of morbidity and mortality in the long term” emphasizes the National Cancer Institute (Inca).
Commitment to sports is done gradually over a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Until reaching a regular practice which includes at least 30 minutes of fast walk a day, 5 times a week, muscle strengthening and mobility and balance exercises.
Physical activity reduces fatigue
Tiredness is the symptom most frequently experienced by cancer patients, often the first to appear and the last to disappear, sometimes many months after diagnosis. This fatigue linked to cancers is different from that felt in someone in good health. Rather, it is defined as an unusual and persistent feeling of weariness, related to cancer or its treatments, and which interferes with the person’s normal functioning.
“The implementation of an early practice of physical activity, from the start of the care pathway seems essential to fight against this fatigue linked to cancer” insists the Inca.
The results of the various studies available to date show an approximate decrease of 25% in the level of perceived fatigue, which can go up to 35% in the case of solid tumors. like breast cancer or prostate.
It reduces the side effects of hormone therapy
Hormonal therapies are essential in the two most hormone-dependent cancers
frequent which are the prostate cancer and breast. These treatments that disrupt the production or action of sex hormones induce significant adverse effects.
In the Prostate cancer, suppression of endogenous testosterone reduces muscle mass and strength and increases fat mass and fatigue. In breast cancer, arthralgia (joint pain) is an adverse effect in 33 to 74% of patients. The origin of these arthralgias is complex, poorly identified, associating the decrease in estrogen, water retention in the joints and inflammatory phenomena.
“Whether in prostate cancer or in breast cancer, the studies do not make it possible to issue scientifically proven recommendations on the optimal characteristics of physical activity, but in all cases they suggest a positive impact on the possible adverse effects of hormonal treatments” explains the Inca.
Physical activity has an impact on survival
It is known that physical activity (PA) is associated with a decrease in the incidence of several cancers such as breast, colon, endometrial and lung cancer. Conversely, the available meta-analyses show a link between PA and the reduction in mortality and the risk of recurrence in patients with cancer (essentially in those with breast, prostate or colorectal).
Practicing physical activity after cancer diagnosis is associated with a reduction the risk of recurrence as well as a reduction in overall mortality of 40%. The positive effect appears to be all the greater as the amounts of physical activity per week are high.
A physical activity practiced alone or supervised?
In patients with breast cancer, supervised aerobic exercises (improving cardiorespiratory capacity) contribute to a significant reduction in fatigue. Conversely, the same types of exercises carried out in total autonomy at home have only a weak effect. “Supervised activities therefore seem to be more effective in reducing fatigue than activities carried out at home, probably because the adjustment of exercise intensity and adherence to programs are better” concludes the Inca.
What contraindications?
Certain specific situations present contraindications to the practice of physical activity:
• Extreme tiredness
• Symptomatic anemia
• Severe infectious syndrome
• Severe malnutrition
• Bone lesions
The best thing is to discuss it with a health professional who can direct you to the activity that is best suited to your profile.
Source : Benefits of physical activity during and after cancer. From scientific knowledge to practical benchmarks ; State of affairs and knowledge collection, INCa, March 2017
Read also :
Sport, a valuable ally against cancer
Breast cancer: recommended sport after treatment
