EXPHYS® supports Breast Cancer Awareness through the benefits of Exercise.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual initiative to educate and increase attention on the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. With breast cancer being the most common cancer in Australia[i], this is an important initiative for EXPHYS®. We ‘go pink’ for October Breast Cancer Month and continue to support our clients and customers through our specialised Exercise Oncology Program.

Exercise – benefiting cancer treatment effectiveness and survival rate.

We know that regular exercise is beneficial for good health and wellbeing. For those diagnosed with breast cancer, there are many benefits to targeted and safe exercise during and after cancer treatment, including:

• Increased cancer treatment effectiveness[ii]
• Increased overall survival rate[ii]
• Improved fatigue and energy levels[iii]
• Reduced pain and lymphoedema
• Improved overall body strength, confidence, mood, depression and anxiety[iv]
• Less risk of fractures; as some breast cancer treatments can lower bone density

Of all the lifestyle modifications to reduce breast cancer recurrence, exercise has the most potent effect[v].

Amount of exercise required for maximum results

The ultimate goal is to achieve 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity at least five days of the week, accumulating 150 minutes of physical activity per week[vi]. This includes two to three resistance exercise sessions per week.

However, due to various reasons, this goal is simply not achievable for many people during their cancer care. The shift of focus should therefore be on what can be achieved. Whilst moderate intensity is preferable, if only low intensity exercise can be tolerated, then this is much better than no exercise at all[vii].

EXPHYS®’ Oncology Exercise Physiologists are skilled and experienced to ensure the appropriate individual program is developed for each person. We expertly blend safety, client engagement, and best ‘return on investment’ decision making (both time and effort) for the client, to achieve optimal health outcomes.

A position statement released earlier this year by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), the peak association for exercise physiologists, concluded that there is no exact exercise prescription and total weekly volume of exercise that would be classed as evidence-based for all cancer patients[viii]. It also highlighted that targeted exercise prescription, including behaviour change advice and support, is required.

Factors for determining the type and amount of exercise.

EXPHYS® take an individualised approach to each client, including consideration of:

• cancer type/stage
• cancer treatment and side effects
• precautions and contraindications
• exercise history and preferences
• functional capacity, and
• fluctuating health

Outstanding results by the EXPHYS team.

Our Oncology Exercise Physiologists are achieving some outstanding results that align with EXPHYS’ purpose of Health for Life and Work.

The following are results of EXPHYS’ Cancer Wellness Program. Look at what can be achieved with the right approach:

• Increased planned exercise volume by 159%, from levels below that considered ideal, to levels that exceed 150 minutes each week of moderate intensity exercise