Physical activity prescription for childhood cancer survivors

Physical activity can play a vital role in the treatment and prevention of many of the long-term effects of childhood cancer and cancer therapy. Specifically, physical activity may attenuate the long-term risk for adverse cardiovascular effects, low bone density, obesity, and poor quality-of-life measures. Physicians caring for long-term survivors of cancer should be prepared to evaluate the survivor's risk for long-term effects and provide accurate advice regarding the prescription of physical activity for the management and prevention of these problems. Knowing when physical activity prescription can help mitigate the late effects of childhood cancer and cancer therapy, and the barriers to physical activity for survivors, will help physicians provide quality care to childhood cancer survivors.