Exercise Programs Show Psychological Benefits for Cancer Patients, Addressing Mental Health as National Priority
Adapted physical activity (APA) programs are increasingly recognized for their psychological benefits in cancer patients, extending beyond the well-established reduction of cancer-related fatigue. Experts Marion Barrault-Couchouron, psychologist and psychotherapist at Bergonié Cancer Institute, and Charlène Goetgheluck Villaron, PhD, associate professor at Management Sport Cancer Laboratory, highlighted these benefits at the 17th National Congress on Supportive Care in Oncology. They emphasized the need to prioritize mental health in oncology care, noting that physical activity can serve as a crucial first step for patients to set physical goals. Research indicates that APA can reduce anxiety in women with breast cancer by improving body image, with some benefit for depression, particularly in patients living alone, with intermediate education, or moderate baseline depression. Even gentle exercise, previously considered too low-intensity, has shown physiological benefits, especially for anxiety. Programs l...
