The possible consequences of tumor treatment in childhood and adolescence are enormous. Surprisingly, children who have survived cancer are less likely to be active in later life than healthy children of the same age. This, despite sport and exercise ability to compensate for many of the morbidity risks of pediatric cancer patients.
The burdens and possible late consequences of tumor treatment in childhood and adolescence are enormous. Often the cardiovascular system, the psyche and also the musculoskeletal system are affected. This makes it all the more surprising that children who have survived cancer are less likely to be active in later life than healthy children of the same age, although sport and exercise could compensate for many of the morbidity risks of children suffering from cancer.
Lack of exercise has a negative effect on the health and prognosis of both healthy and cancer patients and should, therefore, be avoided as far as possible. Patients under intensive treatment regimes, such as chemotherapy, also benefit from exercise and physical activities.
Tumor therapy has a lasting negative effect on physical condition. Measures that can help to build a positive outlook on daily routines and help the quality of life of patients are of great importance.
We currently recommend about ≥ 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intensive training per week. This should take place on 2-5 individual appointments, each lasting between 10 and 60 minutes. Since patients with tumor diseases can differ considerably in pathophysiological terms, personalized training planning is also necessary.
A suitable training program for children and adolescents with cancer should always be drawn up by experienced professionals. This is the only way to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of the training units in this particular situation. In addition, instructed training also enables professional health monitoring during the sport.
In addition to the parents, it is above all the treating physicians who should encourage affected children to do more physical exercise. Because sport and activity benefit children far more than just achieving physical fitness, sports can also be used to gradually counter children's emotional, psychological and social stress.
According to the authors of recent special reports, it is now time for patients, families and health care providers, among others, to consider the benefits of sport in tumor care for children and adolescents.
Source:
Spreafico F, Et al. Sports activities and exercise as part of routine cancer care in children and adolescents. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019; 66(8): e27826