Exercise for Cancer Patients: Guidelines and Precautions

In brief: With more cancer patients recovering or surviving for long periods, techniques are needed to help them overcome the disabling effects of the disease, the therapies, and prolonged immobilization. Previous research and clinical observations indicate that exercise is a promising restorative technique for cancer patients, but it is a fairly new concept; no guidelines exist for objectively measuring the functional capacity of such patients or designing safe programs for them. Medical teams that devise such exercise programs should consider the fitness, age, and current medical and psychological status of the patient, the type and stage of cancer, the possibility of coronary artery disease, side effects of therapy, and the timing of blood tests and chemotherapy.