Exercise as Standard Care for Cancer Patients Gains momentum
Calls are growing for the National Health Service (NHS) to routinely offer exercise programs to cancer patients, backed by increasing evidence of significant health benefits. Recent research and advocacy from charities like Maggie’s and Cancer Research UK highlight the potential of physical activity to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
The push for wider access to exercise comes as concerns are raised about delays to England’s national cancer plan, originally promised in 2022. Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat leader, warned that the delay “will cut short the lives of patients who are waiting far too long for treatment.” Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, echoed this urgency, emphasizing the need to address England’s comparatively low rates of early cancer detection.
Maggie’s, a cancer support charity, has been providing exercise sessions – including yoga, tai chi, Nordic walking, and chair-based exercises – at its 27 centres, totaling 13,000 sessions annually. New research commissioned by the charity from York University demonstrates these sessions improve patients’ sleep, mental health, and reduce pain. These programs are designed as “prehabilitation,” preparing patients for treatment.
A landmark study published in June further strengthens the case for exercise, finding that physical activity can reduce the risk of cancer patients dying by a third and even prevent tumours from recurring, possibly surpassing the effectiveness of drugs in some cases.
The benefits extend beyond treatment, with evidence showing physical activity reduces the risk of developing cancers of the colon, breast, and womb, and also cancers linked to obesity. Maggie’s emphasizes that these sessions empower patients, fostering a sense of control and evolving into valuable support groups.
The World Cancer Research Fund supports integrating exercise into standard NHS cancer care, citing strong evidence of patient benefit. They are urging the UK government to include this recommendation in the upcoming national cancer plan.
While NHS England’s national director for cancer, Prof Peter Johnson, did not commit to routinely providing exercise programs, he acknowledged the growing evidence of benefits and stated the NHS is exploring ways to support patients in being more active throughout their cancer journey. He confirmed the NHS is working with the government on the national cancer plan, focusing on improvements in early diagnosis, survival rates, and patient experience, and has asked local cancer leaders to investigate how to facilitate patient participation in physical activity.
