From:
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/04/21/cancer-survivors.html

Poor physical fitness of cancer survivors increases recurrence risk
Last Updated: Monday, April 21, 2008 | 12:52 PM ET

CBC News

Many cancer survivors fail to get adequate exercise and nutrition following
their diagnosis, putting them at risk of health problems and their cancer
returning, finds a new study.

"Even small changes can make a difference for patients, such as including a
moderate amount of exercise and healthy eating in their treatment and
recovery period, if and when they can," said Dr. Kerry Courneya, professor
and Canada Research Chair at the University of Alberta, in a release.

Researchers at the university looked at self-reported data gleaned from a
2005 Community Health Survey that showed that of the 114,000 adults
studied, only 21 per cent of cancer survivors are physically active. In
general, 25 per cent of Canadians are physically fit.

Eighteen per cent of cancer survivors are obese — versus 15 per cent of
Canadians in general. Male cancer survivors (62 per cent) were more likely
to be overweight or obese than female cancer survivors (47 per cent).

Middle-aged survivors — those aged 40 to 66 — were less likely to be active
than those under 40.

Colorectal cancer, breast cancer and female melanoma survivors were the
least likely to participate in physical activity while the highest levels
of activity — and lowest levels of obesity — were reported by prostate
cancer survivors and skin cancer survivors.

Physical activity is defined as walking for one hour a day, according to
the study. Obese refers to a body mass index of 30 or more.

"We know that physical inactivity and obesity are risk factors for
developing cancer," said Courneya.

The study recommends that community-based programs be introduced to
encourage cancer survivors to develop more active lifestyles.

The study, published Monday in the journal Cancer, was supported by the
Canadian Cancer Society.