Exercise recommendations should be tailored to the individual’s abilities noting that specific exercise programming adaptations may be required for people with cancer based on disease and treatment-related adverse effects, anticipated disease trajectory and their health status. Accredited Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists are the most appropriate and qualified health professionals to be prescribing and administering exercise programs to those individuals living with cancer.
Accredited Exercise Physiologists have the education, experience, and knowledge to be able to confidently:
Understand cancer pathophysiology, diagnosis, the various stages, and treatments associated
Understand the cancer continuum i.e., all phases of cancer care: prevention, early detection, diagnosis, pre-treatment, treatment, survivorship, end of life
Understand the symptoms and side effects of cancer and cancer treatments
Understand how cancer and its various treatments may influence exercise capacity
Use specific clinical skills to appropriately screen/assess patients prior to participation in exercise
Use up to date evidence-based practice to prescribe and deliver exercise for people with cancer throughout the entire cancer continuum
Apply clinical reasoning to maximise the safety and efficacy of exercise for people with cancer including those with complex needs i.e. other comorbidities
Use evidence-based practice to promote behaviour change, facilitate self-managed exercise and implement strategies to overcome cancer-specific barriers to exercise
Provide cancer-specific exercise education, advice, and support to enhance the health and well-being of people with cancer
Jamie Saunders – Exercise Physiologist