A comprehensive new study reveals that adults with a history of cancer maintain lower levels of physical activity than those without a cancer history. Researchers analyzed data collected from more than two million US adults between 2018 and 2024. Although overall physical activity levels increased across both groups during the study period, cancer survivors consistently reported less movement.
Medical experts emphasize that regular physical activity is vital for individuals recovering from cancer. Exercise significantly reduces cancer-related fatigue, supports mental health, and enhances overall quality of life, physical fitness, and daily functioning.
While general health guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly for adults, researchers stress that recommendations for cancer survivors require careful customization. Exercise regimens must be tailored to each individual's specific health status, physical abilities, symptoms, and treatment side effects. Depending on the person, this might range from training for a 5K race to taking a short, gentle walk.
The study outlines key strategies to help cancer survivors increase their physical activity:
- Healthcare providers should incorporate discussions about physical activity into routine cancer care.
- Caregivers and family members must offer crucial encouragement and social support.
- Support networks play an instrumental role in helping survivors build and maintain exercise habits.
Promoting safe physical activity remains a valuable opportunity for healthcare professionals to improve the long-term well-being of cancer survivors.
Difficult words
- comprehensive — Complete and including all or nearly all elements.
- survivor — A person who continues to live after an illness.survivors
- fatigue — Extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion.
- customization — The action of modifying something to suit a particular individual.
- incorporate — To include something as part of a larger whole.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think cancer survivors might maintain lower levels of physical activity compared to other adults?
- How can family members and friends effectively support someone who is trying to start an exercise routine after illness?
- In what ways can healthcare providers make it easier for patients to talk about physical activity during routine medical visits?
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