Cancer Treatments Do Not Affect Cardiovascular Fitness

New research shows that many cancer treatments do not affect the cardiovascular fitness levels of cancer survivors. Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center presented their findings May 28, at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine.

The observational study looked at 49 women attending a doctor-directed fitness clinic for cancer survivors. Researchers compiled data including demographic information, physical activity levels, and cancer treatment type, duration and time since treatment. The women's fitness levels were assessed by using a 3-minute step test.

The results showed that test completion and heart rate recovery were not affected by treatment.

This is really important information. "We know physical activity is a critical component of cancer survivorship, both during and after cancer treatment,” says Jennifer LeMoine, PhD, a post-doctoral research fellow with training in exercise physiology at GUMC’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. “In order to prescribe an exercise program, it’s critical that we understand our patient’s fitness level and whether or not treatment has had an impact on their cardiovascular health.”

There is no denying that cancer treatments can cause fatigue, which sometimes is extreme. Many survivors feel that they are too weak and tired to exercise. However, this is objective data that show that their perceptions of their own capabilities may be very different from what cancer survivors are physically able to do.

Survivors sometimes do have physical limitations from treatment, but it is still possible to maintain and improve their fitness. In my work with Life-Cise and my private fitness training, I encourage people to do as much as they can. And we often find that they can actually do much more than they imagined.

Julie