Cancer patients often focus solely on medical interventions when it comes to treatment. However, a structured exercise program can be just as powerful in improving outcomes. Zacharoula Sidiropoulou, Senior Consultant Breast Surgical Oncologist at Hospital São Francisco Xavier, highlights the benefits of VIVIFRAIL, an evidence-based multicomponent exercise program.
The lack of physical activity accelerates frailty, muscle loss, and functional decline in cancer patients, particularly older adults. This creates a cycle where weaker patients struggle more with treatment, experience side effects, and face higher risks of falls and disability. Studies show that exercising regularly can reduce the risk of dying from all causes by 25% compared to non-exercisers.
VIVIFRAIL breaks this cycle by targeting key areas:
* Muscle strength and power to combat treatment-related muscle wasting
* Balance and coordination to prevent falls during vulnerable periods
* Cardiovascular endurance to maintain heart health during cardiotoxic treatments
* Functional capacity to preserve independence in daily activities
The evidence supporting VIVIFRAIL is clear:
* Reduced cancer-related fatigue
* Better treatment tolerance
* Lower risk of recurrence (particularly breast and colorectal cancers)
* Improved quality of life and mental health
* Maintained functional independence
* Reduced treatment side effects
VIVIFRAIL provides individualized, precise prescriptions based on each person’s functional capacity, making it a valuable tool for healthcare providers. The American Society of Clinical Oncology now recommends exercise as a standard part of cancer care.
By shifting the paradigm from “rest and recover” to “move and thrive,” VIVIFRAIL offers a promising solution for improving outcomes in cancer patients.
Source: https://oncodaily.com/societies/zacharoula-sidiropoulou-345926