Abstract
Many athletes living with and beyond cancer can continue to train and, in some cases, compete during treatment. Following cancer treatment, athletes can return to competitive sport but need to learn to adapt their physical strength and training to the lingering effects of cancer. It is critical for oncology healthcare providers to use the principles of assess, refer and advise to exercise oncology programs that are appropriate for the individual. Managing side effects of treatment is key to being able to train during and immediately following cancer treatment. Keen attention to fatigue is important at any point in the cancer spectrum to avoid overtraining and optimize the effects of training. Resources are introduced for providers to reference and direct patients to information for psychosocial support and instruction. The purpose of this paper is to present exercise considerations during and after cancer treatment for athletic cancer survivors.
Highlights
Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, 834 Chestnut St, Suite 320, Abstract: Many athletes living with and beyond cancer can continue to train and, in some cases, compete during treatment
As exercise oncology rehabilitation is slowly becoming standard of care, all cancer patients in treatment should be assessed, advised and referred to an exercise program that is appropriate for them: supervised by physiatrist, physical or occupational therapist; community based with an exercise oncology trainer; or home based when a patient is capable of exercising without supervision [6,8,9]
While there is a lack of research to guide specific exercise prescriptions or recommendations for athletes returning to sport using principles of exercise training and the exercise oncology exercise guidelines, we believe it is possible to develop sound exercise training programs for athletes returning to sport
Summary
While the incidence of cancer is lower among athletes, athletes get cancer too [1,2]. One study was a cross-sectional, descriptive survey of 219 of athletic cancer survivors who continued to exercise throughout their treatment and resumed their sport and competition at the conclusion of treatment [3]. The other study assessed perceptions of treatment-related physical fitness, appearance and identity changes of 22 athletes (18–40 yo) who were receiving chemotherapy and participating in a supervised group exercise intervention comprised of high- and lowintensity physical exercises that included a combination of resistance training, aerobic activities and relaxation sessions [4]. Perhaps the most important consideration for the fitness professional working with an athlete during the immediate post treatment period is to understand the extent of the physical and emotional side effects that cancer has had on the individual and how that affects their ability to exercise and perhaps their need for specialized exercise with a rehabilitation professional. This paper will discuss exercise considerations during and after treatment, in addition to specific training and competition considerations
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