Calls for exercise to be embedded in cancer treatment regimes

Some studies have found that exercise during medical cancer treatments has been associated with improved survival rates, reduced pain and improved quality of life. Researchers believe this is because exercise releases natural killer cells into the bloodstream.

But not all patients are being given exercise advice and guidance during and after their cancer treatment.

Three people from different sides of the cancer equation are trying to change that, with a pilot trial of “prehab” exercise treatment for cancer patients.

Guests:

Siobhan O'Toole, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and placed on an exercise regime alongside chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.

Dr Sara Wahlroos, Oncologist at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital and PhD candidate at the Garvan.

Associate Professor Steven Faux, head of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital.

Duration: 21min 11secBroadcast: Wed 16 Oct 2019, 9:06am

Source: Life Matters hosted by Hilary Harper