A new study from Macmillan Cancer Support has found that exercise can not only prevent cancer from recurring in survivors, but also help the recovery process!
The charity’s chief executive, Ciaran Devane, said:
“Cancer patients would be shocked if they knew just how much of a benefit physical activity could have on their recovery and long-term health, in some cases reducing their chances of having to go through the gruelling ordeal of treatment all over again. It doesn├óΓé¼Γäót need to be anything too strenuous ├óΓé¼ΓÇ£ doing the gardening and going for a brisk walk or a swim all count.”
After reviewing 60 studies, researchers found exercise particularly helps prevent the recurrence of breast, bowel and prostate cancers!
Study authors found the Department of Health’s guideline of 150 minutes of moderate activity a week to be appropriate for most cancer survivors, but recommend building up gradually.
However, the question remains whether doctors are actually recommending exercise to their patients who have survived the illness.
After surveying over 400 health professionals, just over 40% of general practitioners and oncology nurses were aware of the guideline.
[Image via WENN.]