Abstract

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the use of exercise as an intervention both during and after cancer treatment. Disease and cancer treatment-related side effects such as decreased energy level, muscle weakness, and declines in functional status and body mass have been well documented. Exercise regimens that prevent deconditioning and enhance strength and balance may provide an effective means of ameliorating the neuromuscular effects of treatment. However, there are over 11 million people in the U.S. who have undergone or are undergoing treatment for Cancer (1). We are just beginning to scratch the surface on the role exercise might play in individuals with cancer with respect to effect on treatment and secondary prevention. Today it is recognized that for many individuals cancer is a chronic disease, and often these people continue the “treatment” or management of their cancer throughout their lifetime. With this there is an evolving focus on the cancer survivorship period with respect to living cancer free, managing ongoing cancer treatment, reducing the risk of developing other diseases secondary to cancer treatment, and optimizing quality of life.