Following closely on the heels of the American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors, MacMillan Cancer Support in the UK launched a Move More campaign designed to get cancer survivors up and moving. The goal is also to debunk the notion that rest is best for cancer survivors during and after treatment. (Remember, we used to think that rest was best after a heart attack and now cardiac rehab is a key part of the recovery process.)

As part of their campaign, MacMillan reviewed the evidence supporting a role for exercise in survivors. Expanding on the ACSM focus on clinical trials, the MacMillan report includes observational data – notably showing that exercise reduces risk of recurrence and death in breast, colorectal and prostate cancer survivors. The MacMillan website holds a wealth of information, directed at survivors, on how to go about safely being active. The benefits of activity, what we mean by activity, how to safely be active and how to get started are all covered in great detail.

For other ways to stay healthy after a cancer diagnosis, check out Cancer Survivors’ 8 Ways. For more on how exercise can help prevent cancer, click over to my overview video from the Siteman Cancer Center 8 ways campaign.