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Exercise issues in older cancer survivors
Kerry S Courneya1, Jeffrey K H Vallance, Margaret L McNeely
1Faculty of Physical Education, University of Alberta, E-424 Van Vliet Center, Edmonton, Alta., Canada T6G 2H9. kerry.courneya@ualberta.ca
Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
|August 28, 2004
Summary
Physical exercise may help older cancer survivors manage the side effects of cancer and its treatments. While direct evidence is limited, existing research on general cancer survivors and older adults supports this recommendation, though adherence may be challenging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Oncology
- Exercise Science and Rehabilitation
Background:
- Older cancer survivors face compounded health challenges from aging and cancer treatment.
- Limited research specifically addresses the role of physical exercise in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential benefits of physical exercise for older cancer survivors.
- To synthesize evidence from studies on older adults and cancer survivors generally.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on exercise in older adults.
- Literature review of studies on exercise in cancer survivors.
- Extrapolation of findings to the older cancer survivor population.
Main Results:
- Compelling evidence supports exercise benefits for cancer survivors and older adults.
- Direct evidence for exercise benefits in older cancer survivors remains limited.
- Exercise adherence is identified as a significant potential challenge for this group.
Conclusions:
- Tentative recommendation for exercise in older cancer survivors based on general guidelines.
- American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for older adults are suggested.
- Future research is needed to provide specific clinical guidance for this population.