The new guidelines follow the convention by the college of a roundtable of experts from 17 organisations, including the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, to review the latest scientific evidence and offer recommendations about the benefits of exercise for prevention, treatment, recovery and improved survival.
The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has thrown its support behind the guidelines, acknowledging the important role physiotherapists play in ensuring that people with or recovering from cancer have access to the most appropriate exercise treatment plans.
APA chair of cancer, lymphoedema and palliative care group, Elise Gane, said she wasn’t surprised by the findings, but was pleased that evidence was mounting at a global scale.
“Physiotherapists working with patients with a cancer diagnosis are highly experienced in designing and managing tailored exercise programs.