Early Onset Cancer and the Role of Physiotherapy
What is early onset cancer?
Early onset cancer is cancer diagnosed in adults aged 20–49 years. A cancer diagnosis can affect many parts of life. This may include work, family, exercise, mental wellbeing and everyday activities.
Physiotherapy can help you stay active, manage symptoms and support your quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
Unique challenges of Early Onset Cancer
Since younger people are getting diagnosed, their challenges differ from those of an older population.
Care coordination
Ongoing mental health support
Connection to peer support
Fertility preservation support
Financial burden support
Quality of life support
Information support for side effects/ late effects
Attention to unique needs of young adults
How can exercise help?
Exercise can be an important part of cancer care. A physiotherapist can help you find safe and suitable ways to move.
1. Build strength and fitness
Exercise can help you:
Improve muscle strength
Support bone health
Improve heart and lung fitness
Maintain movement and physical function
2. Manage treatment side effects
Exercise may help reduce some side effects of cancer treatment, including:
Fatigue
Pain
Low mood
Muscle loss
A physiotherapist may also help you manage some chemotherapy-related symptoms, such as peripheral neuropathy, in conjunction with other health professionals.
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that may cause tingling, numbness or changes in feeling, often in the hands or feet.
Keep doing the things you enjoy
Cancer treatment can make everyday activities harder.
Physiotherapy can help you work towards your personal goals, such as:
Returning to work or study
Spending time with family and friends
Taking part in social activities
Staying independent
Returning to activities you enjoy
Your goals matter. Exercise can be adapted to your needs, treatment and energy levels.
Looking after your long-term health
Exercise can support your health during and after cancer treatment.
It may help you:
Build healthy long-term habits
Support heart health
Manage changes in body composition
Reduce some long-term health risks
Exercise may also support fertility and family planning by helping optimise overall health, body composition and wellbeing before and after treatment.
Important: Exercise does not prevent treatment-related infertility. Speak with your medical team about fertility preservation and family planning before treatment where relevant.
Can exercise improve cancer outcomes?
Research has found associations between exercise and improved outcomes in some cancers, including breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
The benefits of exercise can vary from person to person. Your physiotherapist can work with your cancer care team to help you exercise safely.
We aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity aerobic exercise, 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, 2-3 sessions a week of strength exercise, and avoiding days with inactivity! Anything can be helpful, even a short walk!
Most people with cancer do not meet these targets. At ProActive we encourage this, starting small and building up within your body's tolerance levels!
How can ProActive Health help?
Our physiotherapists can support you through your cancer journey.
We can help with:
Strength and fitness.
Movement and physical function.
Managing fatigue and pain.
Returning to everyday activities.
Exercise planning during and after treatment.
Your program will be tailored to you, your goals and your stage of treatment.
You don't have to do it alone
Staying active during cancer treatment can feel challenging. Even small amounts of movement can be a helpful starting point.
Talk to your healthcare team about what exercise is safe for you.
At ProActive Health, we are here to help you move, feel and live well.
Book an appointment!
Note: Please speak with your medical team or physiotherapist before starting a new exercise program, particularly during cancer treatment.