Exercise in Cancer Care: Benefits, Science, and Frameworks

Exercise Is Medicine

Why Movement Matters More Than We Think in Cancer Care

A TED-Style Presentation

Presented By

Teammate 1

Teammate 2

Exercise Is Medicine: Cancer Care TED Talk

What If the Best Medicine Was Free?

"Imagine someone you love is fighting cancer."

The doctor prescribes chemotherapy, radiation, surgery...

But what if the most powerful additional medicine was simply... movement?

TEAMMATE 1 — STRONG OPENING

OUR CENTRAL IDEA

Exercise is not just supportive care — it is real medical treatment.

Most people think exercise is optional. We are here to challenge that.

Backed by kinesiology, physiotherapy, and clinical medicine.

Personally, I have seen family members go through cancer treatment. What if movement could reduce those burdens?

TEAMMATE 2 — PERSONAL CONNECTION

SOURCE 1 — SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Stout et al. (2017): The Big Picture

PM&R Journal — Dozens of systematic reviews, thousands of patients

Exercise is safe before, during & after cancer treatment

Improves quality of life, strength, aerobic fitness & endurance

Reduces fatigue, pain, lymphedema & daily function issues

Both aerobic & resistance training show strong benefits

Exercise should be STANDARD in cancer care — not optional.

TEAMMATE 1

SOURCE 2 — UMBRELLA REVIEW

Bai et al. (2025): Even Stronger Evidence

British Journal of Sports Medicine — 80 high-quality systematic reviews & RCTs

Reduces heart damage, nerve damage & brain fog from treatment

Improves overall well-being, physical function & quality of life

Evidence rated moderate to HIGH quality

A powerful non-drug tool for cancer patients

Exercise makes cancer treatment MORE tolerable.

TEAMMATE 2

SOURCE 3 — CLINICAL FRAMEWORK

Courneya (2022): The EXACT Framework

University of Alberta — Exercise as Cancer Treatment

9 specific clinical scenarios where exercise acts therapeutically

Tailored to patient's stage: pre-treatment, during chemo, post-surgery, advanced disease

Exercise prescribed like medication — with clear goals & timing

EXACT = Exercise as Cancer Treatment

"A game-changing shift in how we treat cancer."

TEAMMATE 1

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Geography of Bliss: A Surprising Connection

Eric Weiner (2008)

Weiner found happiness in small daily habits & cultural practices — not grand solutions.

Health in cancer recovery also comes from small, consistent daily actions — like regular movement.

Both happiness & healing are shaped by what we do every day.

Small consistent movements = big improvements in quality of life.

TEAMMATE 2 — Reflective Tone

OUR CALL TO ACTION

Exercise Is Medicine.

It is accessible, inexpensive & backed by strong science.

We are not saying it replaces treatment — but it powerfully supports it.

Walk. Lift. Stretch. Dance. Whatever feels good — start today.

Your body and your future self will thank you.

TEAMMATE 1 & TEAMMATE 2

References

Bai, X. L., Li, Y., Feng, Z. F., et al. (2025). Impact of exercise on health outcomes in people with cancer: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 59(14), 1010–1019. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2024-109392

Courneya, K. S. (2022). Exercise as cancer treatment: A clinical oncology framework. Frontiers in Oncology, 12, Article 957135. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.957135

Stout, N. L., Baima, J., Swisher, A. K., Winters-Stone, K. M., & Welsh, J. (2017). A systematic review of exercise systematic reviews in the cancer literature (2005–2017). PM&R, 9(9S2), S347–S384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2017.07.074

Weiner, E. (2008). The Geography of Bliss: One grump's search for the happiest places in the world. Twelve.

Exercise Is Medicine: Cancer Care TED Talk