Cancer is a reality for millions of people across the UK. In fact, statistics from Cancer Research UK reveal that around one in two people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. As fitness professionals, we’re uniquely positioned not just to help our clients get fitter, but also to play an important role in cancer prevention, support during treatment and helping survivors reclaim their health post-treatment.
The purpose of this article is to give you up-to-date insights and practical guidance on how to work effectively and safely with clients who are either diagnosed with cancer, undergoing treatment or in recovery. And remember, always work closely with your clients’ healthcare providers as this ensures safety, effectiveness and client confidence.
The Role of Exercise in Cancer Prevention
There’s a mountain of research supporting exercise as a powerful tool for reducing cancer risk. According to Cancer Research UK, regular physical activity can help prevent cancers of the bowel, breast and uterus among others. Specifically, keeping active can reduce the risk of bowel cancer by approximately 20% and breast cancer by around 12%.
Interestingly, a recent study highlighted in the Guardian suggests that being physically active early in the morning or in the evening might even be better for reducing colorectal cancer risk, cutting it by up to 11% compared to other times of day.
So, what kind of exercise are we talking about? Well, aerobic activities like walking, cycling, and swimming are fantastic, but strength and resistance training are equally valuable. A blend of cardio and resistance training not only promotes overall health but specifically boosts the body’s natural defences against certain cancers. A 2024 study by Alvarez showed no notable differences in improvements in muscular strength, cardiovascular fitness, or quality of life whether resistance exercises preceded or followed cardio training. This allows for greater flexibility when designing combined exercise programmes for their clients, making the sessions adaptable to client preferences and comfort levels (Alvarez, 2024).
Exercise During Cancer Treatment
Exercise isn’t just preventative, it’s also therapeutic. Many people wrongly assume that individuals undergoing cancer treatment need complete rest. In reality, gentle and supervised exercise is often encouraged by healthcare professionals to help manage common side effects like fatigue, muscle weakness, and mental stress.
Recent evidence from supervised exercise programmes with breast cancer patients found significant improvements in quality of life and fatigue reduction. Personal trainers and those who have completed an exercise referral course can provide crucial support here by designing safe, manageable routines tailored to clients’ current health status.
The key during treatment is moderation. Light cardio sessions, gentle resistance training, and flexibility exercises like yoga or Pilates can be perfect options. However, always keep a close eye on how your client feels and ensure their medical team is fully in the loop about any exercise plans.
Exercise in Cancer Recovery and Survivorship
Once treatment ends, your clients face the challenge of reclaiming their health and well-being. Structured exercise programmes during this period have shown remarkable benefits. A recent study demonstrated notable improvements in muscular strength, cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and overall quality of life in cancer survivors who engaged in regular exercise programmes.
Importantly, strength training has been identified as particularly beneficial, with recent research highlighting that increased muscular strength significantly reduces the risk of cancer mortality. Therefore, incorporating progressive resistance exercises, alongside aerobic activities, can make a real difference.
Here, a comprehensive personal trainer course or a specialised exercise referral course can equip you with the knowledge you need to support clients effectively through their recovery journey.
Emotional and Psychological Benefits of Exercise
Exercise isn’t just beneficial for physical health, it plays a crucial role in supporting emotional and psychological well-being, especially for individuals affected by cancer. Engaging regularly in physical activity can significantly reduce anxiety, depression, and stress levels. It also boosts mood, enhances overall feelings of well-being, and improves sleep quality.
A recent review published by Macmillan Cancer Support
Incorporating exercise into treatment and recovery plans can therefore be transformative, significantly enhancing quality of life beyond physical benefits alone (Macmillan Cancer Support, 2024). When working with clients affected by cancer, your relationship with their healthcare providers becomes essential. It’s vital to initiate and maintain clear and consistent communication with your client’s doctor or oncology team. Make sure to gather detailed information about their current health status, treatments and any medical limitations or specific advice from their healthcare team. Always remember, medical clearance is paramount before starting or modifying exercise routines. Pay close attention to warning signs such as excessive fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, or unexpected symptoms. Keeping programmes adaptable and regularly reassessing your client’s condition will ensure their safety and continued progress. Practical Guidance
Case Study: Emma’s Journey Back to Fitness
Emma was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After completing treatment, Emma was struggling with severe fatigue, muscle loss, and low confidence. She reached out to a local fitness professional who had completed an exercise referral course, knowing they could safely guide her through her recovery.
Emma’s trainer began by connecting directly with her oncologist to understand her medical background and limitations. Together, they created a phased exercise programme tailored to her specific needs. The programme started gently, with restorative yoga sessions and short, guided walks. Over time, they gradually introduced resistance band exercises and bodyweight workouts, slowly building her strength and endurance.
Regular assessments and open communication with her medical team allowed adjustments to be made promptly whenever necessary. Over several months, Emma experienced remarkable improvements. She reported significant reductions in fatigue, regained muscle strength, and saw noticeable improvements in her mental well-being. Perhaps most importantly, she regained the confidence to return to many activities she enjoyed before her diagnosis.
Emma’s story demonstrates the essential role of collaboration between fitness professionals and healthcare providers, and how personalised exercise programming can significantly enhance a client’s recovery and quality of life.
And Finally
As fitness professionals, our role goes beyond traditional training. We’re advocates for health and vital allies in the fight against cancer. By staying informed, connected, and responsive, we can profoundly impact our clients’ lives at every stage of their cancer journey.
If you’re interested in taking part in the fight against cancer, consider enhancing your skills by enrolling in a personal trainer course or an exercise referral course. Staying educated not only boosts your confidence and expertise but directly benefits your clients and your practice.
References
Cancer Research UK (2024). Physical activity and cancer risk. Click here to review these statistics.
The Guardian (2024, November 6). Early morning and evening activity could reduce bowel cancer risk by 11%. Click here to read this article.
EatingWell (2024). The #1 Exercise to Reduce Your Cancer Death Risk, According to a New Study. Click here to review the full research article.
Oncology Nursing Society (2024). Exercise Program Improves Quality of Life in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer. Click here to review the full research article.
British Journal of Sports Medicine (2024). Muscle Strength and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Cancer Mortality Reduction. Click here to review the full research article.
Cancer Research UK. Cancer Statistics for the UK. Click here to review these statistics.
Macmillan Cancer Support (2024). Benefits of exercise for emotional and mental health. Click here to review the full research article.
Alvarez, N. (2024). Effect of the Order of Resistance and Cardiorespiratory Training on Muscular Strength, Cardiovascular Fitness, and Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors. Master’s Thesis, Adams State University.
Your Pathway to Helping Clients with Medical Conditions Starts Here
If you’re looking to support people with long-term health conditions and work more closely with GPs and other healthcare professionals, our Exercise Referral course is the perfect step. With one in three people in the UK living with a chronic condition and over 1.2 million exercise referral consultations carried out annually in England alone, there’s never been a greater need for qualified professionals who understand how to design safe, effective exercise programmes for clients referred through their GP or health team. This course not only gives you the tools to confidently work with clients managing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis, but also sets you apart in a growing area of the fitness industry. This Level 3 qualification helps you make a meaningful impact where it’s needed most.
Exercise Referral Course – Distance Study
