Exercise Intervention to Modify Physiologic Risk Factors in Cancer Survivors
Objective
To review the best current evidence regarding the effects of exercise on modifiable risk factors for adverse physiologic outcomes of cancer and its treatment.
Data Sources
Clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and single studies.
Conclusion
There is mounting evidence that exercise improves fatigue, physical functioning, and cardio-respiratory fitness. Preliminary evidence suggests that exercise also contributes to improvements in body weight and composition, metabolic risk factors, and immune function. It may also influence disease-free and overall survival in selected populations.
Implications for Nursing Practice
Exercise appears to be a safe and well-tolerated intervention that may minimize or prevent adverse physiologic outcomes of cancer and cancer treatment.
Address correspondence to Carolyn Ingram, RN, DNSc, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1200 Main St West, HSC – 2J32, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
Constance Visovsky is supported by the National Cancer Institute 5R03CA103488-02. Carolyn Ingram is supported by Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance grant #16542.
ABSTRACT