Physical activity in cancer prevention

Physical activity (PA) is an important part of comprehensive prevention and treatment of cancer and has a significant impact on the quality of life of cancer patients. Current international and national recommendations support the inclusion of PA in all stages of cancer care.

The aim of this paper is to summarize current knowledge about the effects of PA in cancer patients, describe the principles of its prescription, safety aspects, and possibilities for implementation into clinical practice. The text is based on a review of the professional literature and consensus recommendations focused on PA in cancer care. Regular PA has a proven positive effect on reducing fatigue, improving quality of life, cardiovascular fitness, and mental health, including reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms. For certain diagnoses, particularly breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer, PA has also been shown to reduce overall and cancer-specific mortality. The prescription of PA must be individualized concerning the type of tumor, stage of disease, selected oncological therapy, and its side effects, especially cardiopulmonary, neurological, and metabolic complications. PA can be safely included in the pre-rehabilitation phase, during active treatment, and in long-term follow-up care.

PA is an effective and safe non-pharmacological tool in the care of cancer patients. Its wider implementation in clinical practice is limited mainly by organizational factors and low patient adherence, which emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and systematic support for exercise programs.