The importance of physical activity for people living with and beyond cancer (2011)

This review provides commissioners and health professionals with an overview of the evidence for integrating the promotion of physical activity within the cancer care pathway. The evidence is growing to support the role of physical activity during and after cancer treatment. Physical activity is important for cancer patients at all stages of the cancer care pathway. There is evidence to support the role of physical activity for the following stages of the cancer care pathway:

1. During cancer treatment: physical activity improves, or prevents the decline of physical function without increasing fatigue.
2. After cancer treatment: physical activity helps recover physical function.
3. During and after cancer treatment: physical activity can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality for some cancers and can reduce the risk of developing other long term conditions.
4. Advanced cancer: physical activity can help maintain independence and wellbeing.