January 27, 2011
A new Consensus Statement by the American College of Sports Medicine on Physical Activity and Cancer Rehabilitation has shown that cancer patients and survivors should avoid inactivity and be as active as possible to improve physical functioning, quality of life and reduce cancer-related fatigue.
The document by the American College of Sports Medicine, involving 13 researchers and clinicians from the US, Canada, Spain and Australia, has also resulted in the first guidelines on exercise prescription for several cancer patients and survivors groups, which represents a major shift in advice as to which and how much exercise should be recommended for people with cancer.
The only Australian researcher to contribute to this Consensus Statement, Edith Cowan University Associate Professor Daniel Galvão, will discuss the new guidelines at a Cancer Council Western Australia seminar on the Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle During and After Cancer on January 31, 2011.
Director of the Edith Cowan University Health and Wellness Institute, Assoc Professor Galvão, believes the statement raises important issues about cancer management and rehabilitation.
“Historically clinicians have advised cancer patients to rest and avoid activity”, he said. “However current science shows this advice is outdated.”
Cancer Council Director of Cancer Information and Support Services, Sandy McKiernan said the free seminar was an opportunity to share the latest evidence on how an active, healthy lifestyle can benefit cancer patients and survivors.
“We will bring together a team of experts to present the best evidence on all aspects of a healthy lifestyle, highlighting ways for cancer patients to cope with the side effects of their treatment so they can achieve the best possible quality of life,” said Ms McKiernan.
The seminar will also cover the importance of a healthy diet and how meditation and yoga can reduce stress and help improve sleep and quality of life.
Ms McKiernan said the experts at the seminar were also helping to ensure the best possible complementary therapy program is offered to cancer patients, survivors and their carers through the Cancer Council’s range of Life Now classes.
Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle During and After Cancer
Monday January 31, 2011
For more information or to RSVP, call the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.
