09/08-11   -   Press releases

Exercise can help cancer recovery and treatment

A report today (http://bbc.in/obvZZE) could change the way we think about exercise during breast cancer treatment.

Being active during and after breast cancer treatment can reduce the risk of side effects such as fatigue, depression, osteoporosis and heart disease, according to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Doing a recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week, including gardening, swimming or a brisk walk, can reduce the risk of breast cancer returning, and the risk of dying from the disease, by up to 40%, when compared to being physically active for less than one hour a week.

It is important that women affected by breast cancer are aware of the benefits of physical activity, and that they speak to their care team to find the most appropriate exercises for them, especially if they are recovering from surgery or have problems with mobility.