Sport and physical activity, major allies in patients' quality of life
For many years now, scientists have been examining the role of sport in the prevention of chronic diseases and cancer.
But the benefits of adapted physical activity (APA) in disease management have been underestimated for too long.
That's why the French Urology Association has launched the “Sport and Cancer” initiative.
"Sport improves physical performance, functional capacity and body composition (increased lean body mass, reduced body fat). It stimulates cognitive functions, reduces the risk of falls and fractures, and combats fatigue, sleep disorders and stress... as numerous studies have shown. If we had a molecule with such beneficial effects and virtually no toxicity, we'd all be taking it. Cycling against prostate cancer, and thus promoting sporting activity, makes more sense than ever".
Dr François Rozet
AFU Board member
Proven benefits
Numerous studies have identified the following benefits of adapted sports activities:
- A 36% reduction in fatigue, whatever the stage of cancer
- A reduction in the side effects of certain treatments.
- An improvement in body image and sleep, and a reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms.
- For breast and colon cancer, numerous studies with a high level of evidence conclude that sport reduces the risk of overall mortality by 40%, the risk of specific death by 35% and the risk of recurrence by 45%.
- For prostate cancer, sport reduces the risk of cancer in the general population, slows cancer progression in affected patients and improves quality of life in treated patients.
Cancer: sport at every stage of the disease
In the event of cancer, regular physical activity is essential. A genuine ally of treatment, it helps preserve energy, morale and quality of life.
Even when you're ill, and especially when you're ill, it's essential to keep up your physical and sporting activities.
Keeping fit by practising sport when suffering from cancer helps increase functional capacity, physical performance, cognitive and sexual function.
Sport also helps to improve body composition by reducing body fat and increasing lean body mass. "Patients who take part in sport are fitter and happier than sedentary patients. By being active, they avoid the depression, fatigue and stress associated with the disease. Sport also improves bone mineralization and reduces the risk of falls and fractures," explains Dr François Rozet, urologist at the Institut Mutualiste Montsouris in Paris.
All cancers concerned
The benefits of practising sport have been clearly demonstrated in breast and colon cancers, with a reduction in overall mortality and the risk of recurrence.
"It's important that urologists take up this theme, as we already have established data on prostate cancer. Sport helps to combat metabolic syndrome in metastatic patients or those treated with androgen suppression. Hormonal castration is accompanied by a whole host of side effects, such as bone demineralization, sarcopenia, hypertension and diabetes, all of which can be mitigated by appropriate physical activity," explains Dr. Rozet.
Even at a localized stage of the disease, sport improves patients' quality of life, reduces treatment side-effects, disease-specific fatigue and psychogenic effects.
“Active patients resist treatment better, and the impact on disease prognosis is very often positive,” adds Dr. Rozet, who encourages all patients to take up sport.
While activity helps to reduce cardiovascular risk, it is also sometimes accompanied by a change in lifestyle, with weight loss when necessary. And in some cases, patients are able to quit smoking and develop greater self-esteem.
A balance of benefits and risks in favor of APA
Perfectly adapted to each patient's metabolic profile, Adapted Physical Activity (APA) is well supervised by professionals (sports teachers, physiotherapists, coaches).
The benefits of sport are always substantial, and toxicity, if it occurs, very limited. "An overweight patient who smokes and is very sedentary should not throw himself wholeheartedly into sport. Any activity carries a cardiovascular risk", warns Dr Rozet. The WHO recommends 150 minutes of endurance activity per week or 75 minutes of sustained activity, or a combination of the two.
The greater the activity, the greater the benefit. There is a dose-effect relationship, and the benefits are major," explains Dr. Rozet.
But it's important to avoid the “weekend warrior” syndrome, with over-activity at the weekend and a totally sedentary life during the week, and also to ensure that the initial goodwill doesn't fade over time".
Low-, moderate- and high-intensity sports are prescribed according to each individual's metabolism and abilities.
Combat sports or sports that are traumatic for the body have limited beneficial effects on the patient and his or her illness.
“Studies show that in the general population, the benefits are always far greater than the risks of accidents, particularly cardiovascular ones, but this risk needs to be managed,” advises the specialist. In case of doubt, an exercise test should be prescribed by the doctor, and a consultation with a cardiologist suggested.
Adapted physical activity is based on basic maintenance exercises, muscle strengthening and movements to combat osteoporosis or sarcopenia (a reduction in muscle fibres accentuated by hormonal treatments).
Cancer centers offer support care as part of non-drug cancer treatments.
Connected tools (watch, phone) and applications can help control activity levels and train to do more if necessary. Please note that adapted physical activity, if prescribed by a doctor, is not covered by the Assurance Maladie.