Cancer patients are less active after treatment, despite such physical activity bringing with it significant health and recovery benefits.
One patient in three admitted to being less physically active after their cancer treatment, according to research by cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support.
It found that nearly three-quarters of cancer patients said that their doctor or nurse had not spoken to them about the benefits of physical activity after cancer.
Professor Jane Maher, chief medical officer at the charity, said: “We know cancer treatment is tough and gruelling, and many people probably feel they should give their bodies a rest afterwards.
“But even moderate physical activity is vital in aiding the recovery process and, with some cancers, in reducing the risk of recurrence and mortality, so if anything we should be expecting an increase.”
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Separate research by the charity has also suggested that money woes tend to be the biggest concern for such patients.
Cancer patients and their loved-ones were 25 times more likely to ask for help on financial issues rather than on death and dying, according to figures from the charity’s helpline.
