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A groundbreaking new framework aims to help clinicians effectively incorporate exercise into cancer care, ensuring that patients receive the right type and intensity of physical activity at the appropriate times. Published in Frontiers in Oncology, this research highlights that exercise prescriptions are not one-size-fits-all for cancer patients.
The framework, called Exercise Across the Postdiagnosis Cancer Continuum (EPiCC), was developed by a team of researchers, including exercise oncologist Kerry Courneya from the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, and Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Cancer. Courneya emphasizes that the framework is designed to integrate exercise as part of a comprehensive treatment package rather than as a standalone intervention.
“It’s going to help us be strategic about how and when we introduce exercise as part of an individual’s care so they get the best benefit—not only from their treatment, but also in terms of their quality of life,” says Margaret McNeely, professor in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and adjunct professor in the Department of Oncology.
Tailoring Exercise to Individual Cancer Journeys
With advancements in medicine expanding treatment options beyond chemotherapy and radiation, clinicians are faced with increasingly complex decisions on how to best structure treatment plans. Exercise has been recognized as a key component of cancer care, but it requires careful calibration based on the phase of treatment.
The EPiCC framework identifies six key periods in cancer care where exercise can play a critical role: before, during, and between treatments, as well as immediately after treatment, during survivorship, and in palliative care.
“In the past, we thought of cancer treatment as a singular thing—you go on treatment and then off it,” Courneya explains. “With the modern cancer treatment landscape, we have so many options available, and clinical oncologists are trying to figure out how to combine them, which ones should go together, and how to sequence them.”
Exercise as a Strategic Component
The researchers stress that exercise recommendations should be as precisely prescribed as medication, factoring in aspects such as type, duration, and intensity. For instance, a patient undergoing an intensive round of chemotherapy might need to conserve energy, making vigorous exercise inadvisable, while a newly diagnosed patient might benefit from fitness-building activities before starting treatment.
Additionally, the framework is designed to help clinicians clearly communicate the purpose of exercise to patients. “I think people appreciate they need to be active, but they don’t always see how it ties into what they’re experiencing in terms of their cancer,” McNeely says.
Courneya believes the framework will enhance the precision of exercise prescriptions, ensuring that each patient receives the most beneficial recommendations tailored to their treatment phase and overall health condition.
Future Research Directions
Beyond clinical applications, the EPiCC framework also paves the way for further research into optimizing exercise strategies for cancer patients. Co-developed with Christopher Booth from Queen’s University and Christine Friedenreich from the University of Calgary, the framework encourages continued exploration into how exercise can be integrated into evolving cancer treatments.
With more evidence supporting the role of exercise in improving treatment outcomes and quality of life, the EPiCC framework marks a significant step forward in personalized cancer care.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on published research and is not intended as medical advice. Cancer patients should consult with their healthcare providers before making any changes to their treatment plans, including exercise routines.
