Endocrine Abstracts

Aim: The purpose of this literature review aims to critically analyse how exercise affects quality of life (QoL) in cancer patients. The initial idea for this review was to focus on exercise and neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). As there is lack of evidence in this field, it meant a greater and widened search lead to focusing on solid tumour types as they are the most similar to NETs.

Method: Methodology used to conduct this review was by using the Preferred Reporting Items of Systemic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). Several literature searches were reviewed and critically analysed by following the Critical Approval Skills Programme (CASP). A firm inclusion and exclusion criteria was carried out to extract the final papers.

Results: Results from the literature review highlighted three main themes; these themes relate to the topic how does exercise affect the QoL in Cancer patient? First theme identified was fatigue during and post treatment. The second theme identified was psychosocial function mainly focusing on ‘anxiety and depression’. The last theme was pain. The studies that were conveyed provided evidence that any type of physical activity (PA) improved the outcome of these themes, which in theory improves overall QoL.

Conclusion: In conclusion, on reviewing the research available, there is strong evidence that suggests exercise interventions for oncology patients appear to be effective in improving physical function, QoL which includes fatigue, anxiety and depression, pain, quality of sleep and body composition. Many organisations are in support of exercise in oncology setting.