Physical_Activity_Guidelines

Physical Activity in Adult Cancer Survivors
Earlier detection of cancer and modern improved treatments mean that more than 15.5 million cancer survivors
are living in the United States today. This growing population faces unique challenges, including risk of
recurrent cancer, death from their cancer or other causes, development of other chronic diseases, worsening of
physical functioning and quality of life, and other adverse effects from their disease and treatments.
Cancer survivors should engage in regular physical activity for its many health benefits. For adults with breast,
colorectal, or prostate cancer, greater amounts of physical activity after diagnosis help to substantially lower
the risk of dying from their cancer. For adults with breast and colorectal cancer, greater amounts of physical
activity after diagnosis also help to substantially lower the risk of dying from any cause. Cancer survivors
who are physically active have a better quality of life, improved fitness and physical function, and less fatigue.
Physical activity also plays a role in reducing the adverse effects of cancer treatment. As a result of cancer
and its treatment, some cancer survivors are at increased risk of heart disease, and physical activity can help
reduce this risk.
As with other adults with chronic conditions, cancer survivors can consult with a health care professional or
physical activity specialist to match a physical activity plan to their abilities, health status, and any treatment
toxicities.
Physical Activity in Adults With Selected Physical Disabilities
For many types of physical disabilities, physical activity reduces pain, improves fitness, improves physical
function, and improves quality of life. People with disabilities that affect their ability to walk or move about
benefit from physical activity. Physically active people who have Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, a spinal
cord injury, or a stroke have better physical function, including walking ability, than less active adults with the
same condition. These improvements have been shown with multicomponent physical activity programs that
included aerobic activity (commonly walking), muscle-strengthening, and balance-training activities.
Potential specific benefits include:
• Parkinson’s disease—Improved physical function, including walking, balance, muscle strength, and
disease-specific motor scores.
• Multiple sclerosis—Improved physical function, including walking speed and endurance, and fitness.
Physical activity does not appear to exacerbate multiple sclerosis.
• Spinal cord injury—Improved walking function, wheelchair skills, muscular strength, and upper extremity
function. Benefits can be seen with recent or older injuries and across severities of spinal cord injury.
• Stroke—Improved walking function, such as walking velocity or endurance.
Adults with physical disabilities can consult with a health care professional or physical activity specialist to
match a physical activity plan to their abilities.
84 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans