Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors: Consensus Statement from International Multidisciplinary Roundtable.

Area of Science:

• Exercise oncology
• Cancer survivorship research
• Rehabilitation medicine

Background:

• The global population of cancer survivors is rapidly increasing, presenting unique health challenges.
• Cancer survivors often experience diminished physical function, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality risk.
• Early reports indicated exercise is safe and beneficial for cancer survivors, improving fitness and mitigating fatigue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update and refine exercise recommendations for cancer survivors.
• To move beyond general guidelines towards prescriptive exercise programs tailored to individual cancer types and treatments.
• To address the growing need for evidence-based exercise interventions in cancer care.

Main Methods:

• Convening a second expert Roundtable in 2018, building on the 2010 findings.
• Reviewing and synthesizing current evidence on exercise for cancer survivors.
• Developing updated recommendations for exercise programming.

Main Results:

• Exercise and testing remain safe for cancer survivors; "avoid inactivity" is a key recommendation.
• Sufficient evidence supports specific exercise regimens (aerobic, resistance, combined) in improving anxiety, depression, fatigue, physical function, and quality of life.
• The impact of exercise on peripheral neuropathy and cognitive function requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Exercise recommendations should guide fitness and healthcare professionals working with cancer survivors.
• Further research is necessary to address knowledge gaps and enhance clinical practice.
• Personalized exercise prescriptions are crucial for optimizing outcomes in cancer survivorship.