The role of physical activity in cancer patients: a narrative review

Abstract

Physical activity plays an important role in the proper functioning of the human body and it is recommended in the prevention and treatment of many disease syndromes. The importance of physical activity in cancer patients has been highlighted in recent years. Physical activity has a positive impact on the course of the disease as well as on the condition of patients after anticancer treatment. It also reduces the risk of developing some types of cancer. Physical activity can be recommended to patients during and after cancer treatment. This narrative review presents current knowledge regarding the indications, applicability, and efficacy of physical activity in cancer patients, based on the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine International Multidisciplinary Roundtable on Exercise and Cancer. The paper discusses the role of physical activity in cancer patients receiving palliative care on the basis of the available systematic reviews.