A new study has highlighted the significant impact of physical activity on reducing fatigue levels in adult survivors of childhood cancer. The research, published in the journal Cancer, examined the effects of a one-year personalised physical activity programme on the quality of life, fatigue, and psychological distress in individuals who had survived cancer as children. The findings suggest that tailored exercise interventions could play a crucial role in managing long-term health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
The study, known as the SURfit trial, involved 151 adult participants who had been diagnosed with cancer before the age of 16 and had completed treatment at least five years prior to the start of the trial. These participants were recruited from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry and were randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which received personalised physical activity counselling, or a control group that continued with their usual level of activity.
The intervention group was encouraged to engage in at least 2.5 hours of intense physical activity per week, including both aerobic and strength-building exercises. Over the course of the year, physiotherapists will provide regular support, allowing the programme to adjust to each participant’s starting fitness level and health status. The control group did not receive any specific recommendations on physical activity during the study period.
Results from the study showed that participants in the intervention group experienced a significant reduction in fatigue levels after 12 months compared to those in the control group. This finding was particularly notable given the high prevalence of fatigue among childhood cancer survivors, which has been reported to affect up to 62% of adults in this population. The reduction in fatigue was not only statistically significant but also clinically meaningful, indicating that even a modest increase in physical activity can have a substantial impact on this debilitating symptom.
The study also measured health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and psychological distress, although the effects on these outcomes were less pronounced. While there was some improvement in physical HRQOL scores among the intervention group, the changes were not statistically significant compared to the control group. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in mental HRQOL or distress symptoms between the two groups. The researchers suggest that a longer intervention period or more intensive support might be needed to see more robust changes in these areas.
Despite the limited impact on HRQOL and psychological distress, the reduction in fatigue alone is a significant finding. Fatigue is one of the most common and persistent challenges faced by childhood cancer survivors, often impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. The study’s authors advocate for incorporating regular physical activity into the long-term care plans of childhood cancer survivors, emphasising its potential to alleviate fatigue and improve quality of life.
This study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors. However, the authors note that further research is needed to explore the optimal type, intensity, and duration of exercise for this specific group, as well as to understand the mechanisms behind the observed benefits.
