Oral Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2018

Implementing Exercise in Cancer Care (#123)

Prue Cormie 1
  1. Australian Catholic University, Institute for Health and Ageing, Melbourne, VIC

Evidence from a significant body of pre-clinical, clinical trial and epidemiological research has established exercise as an effective medicine for the management of cancer. The level of evidence has led the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia to call for exercise to be embedded as part of standard practice in cancer care and to be viewed as an adjunct therapy that helps counteract the adverse effects of cancer and its treatment. Much more research is required to determine the optimal exercise prescription for all types and stages of cancer in order to maximise engagement with, safety of and efficacy of exercise. However, the available evidence supports integrating exercise into routine cancer care. Implementing exercise in cancer care presents a significant challenge. This presentation will discuss factors influencing the uptake of exercise in oncology from a patient, health professional and policy level. Practical strategies to incorporate exercise into clinical practice will also be discussed.