The multidisciplinary community of exercise oncology practice: Current status and future directions

Abstract

Exercise is recommended as a part of standard cancer care, based upon its favorable impact on treatment-related side effects and its association with better cancer outcomes. Fully incorporating exercise into oncology practice will require multidisciplinary efforts across oncology and exercise professionals. This article examines current patterns of exercise advice and prescription in oncology settings and highlights the roles of oncology clinicians, physiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, exercise physiologists and fitness trainers, and patient advocates in expanding exercise oncology across the cancer continuum. Future efforts to enhance provider education, expand community-based programs, establish referral pathways, and address policy challenges related to reimbursement will be needed to establish exercise as a universally accessible and effective component of oncology care.