Physical activity In the treatment of cancer patients. An online survey for Italian oncologists and radiotherapists

Background In the past years, cancer patients, especially who were underwent medical treatment, were advised to rest or don’t to get tired. Scientific evidence has recently demonstrated how integrating physical activity (PA) with medical treatments improve quality of life, response to treatments, sleep quality, psychological state, and decrease fatigue. The role of health professionals in promoting and recommended PA suited to the patient's condition is determinant. Materials and Method A survey that involved clinicians working with cancer patients has been conducted in 2024, between January 10th and March 31st. Five questions have been proposed online: (1) Do you think that physical activity is important in the oncology treatment path? (2) In your clinical activity, what percentage of patients ask you about physical activity, during and after oncological treatment? (3) What type of physical activity do you recommend, in relation to the patient's clinical status, during chemotherapy (choice: light physical activity; moderate physical activity; intense physical activity; traditional exercise; I usually don't recommend it); (4) What type of physical activity do you recommend after treatment and follow up? (choice: light physical activity; moderate physical activity; intense physical activity; traditional exercise; I usually don't recommend it); (5) Is any form of physical activity (including traditional exercises) included in the oncology diagnostic-therapeutic-assistance pathways active at your facility? Results Our results showed that 95% of clinicians consider PA important, 86% recommend mild/moderate PA after treatment but only 50% of them recommend a mild PA during chemotherapy. 77% of them declared that less than half of patients ask clinicians about PA and 67% that PA is not included, as treatment, in the facilities in which they work. Conclusions We need to train medical oncologists to inform patients about the benefits of PA, to produce research data useful for policy makers decisions and to introduce PA programs during treatment for cancer patients.