The Impact of Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention: Implications for Nurses

Abstract

Objectives: To discuss the significant issues surrounding the prescribing of physical activity as a first line of defense against the development of age-associated life-limiting illnesses such as cancer while providing strategic knowledge for clinicians regarding its prescription and management.

Data sources: Literature review on physical activity in cancer prevention.

Conclusion: There is growing evidence that reduced physical activity increases the risk of co-morbid conditions such as cancer, yet there is limited clinician education and subsequent prescription of physical activity.

Implications for nursing practice: Nurses in partnership with other primary care clinicians have a unique opportunity to effect change of our nation's greatest modifiable public health threat, physical inactivity.

Keywords: cancer; chronic disease; exercise; exercise prescription; physical activity; physical inactivity; sedentary.