Exercise in Cancer Care: The Big Miss

The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia has a clear stance on exercise and cancer. They believe it should be a key part of cancer treatment. They want all healthcare workers to talk about it, suggest it, and guide patients to it. But how often does this actually happen? That is the big question. The society's position is that exercise should be a standard part of cancer care. This means that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals should be actively promoting physical activity to their patients. They should be having conversations about it, recommending specific exercises, and even referring patients to exercise programs. But is this happening in reality? It is hard to say. There is a lack of data on how often these recommendations are put into practice. Exercise has long been known to have numerous benefits for overall health. For cancer patients, it can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and even aid in recovery. Despite these known benefits, there is a gap between what is recommended and what is actually done. This gap is not unique to cancer care. It is a common issue in healthcare where guidelines and real-world practice do not always align. One reason for this gap could be a lack of awareness or training among healthcare professionals. They might not be fully aware of the benefits of exercise for cancer patients or might not feel confident in recommending it. Another reason could be time constraints. Healthcare professionals often have busy schedules and might not have the time to discuss exercise in detail with their patients. Or it could be that some healthcare professionals simply do not believe in the power of exercise. Another issue could be that patients themselves are not always open to the idea of exercise during treatment. They might feel too tired or unwell to engage in physical activity. Or they might not see the relevance of exercise to their cancer treatment. This is where healthcare professionals can play a crucial role. They can help patients understand the benefits of exercise and encourage them to incorporate it into their treatment plan. It is clear that there is a need for more action in this area. Healthcare professionals need to be better informed and equipped to promote exercise in cancer care. Patients need to be more aware of the benefits and more encouraged to participate. Only then can the gap between recommendation and practice be bridged. It is time to turn words into action.