Patients urged to keep fit to help fight double challenge of cancer and Covid

Neil Pearce, co-founder of Planets Cancer Charity, says it is essential patients “take control of what they can” as the pandemic continues to impact services

A cancer charity is urging patients to focus on improving their fitness levels as the NHS contends with the ongoing challenges of Covid-19.

Neil Pearce, co-founder of Planets Cancer Charity – which helps patients with pancreatic, liver, colorectal, abdominal and neuroendocrine cancer, said it was essential patients “take control of what they can” as the pandemic continues to impact services.

The consultant surgeon. who specialises in pancreas, liver and neuroendocrine tumour surgery, said: “While we have seen NHS cancer services show an amazing ability to adapt and contend with the huge disruption caused by Covid-19, there is no doubt some cancer patients have suffered due to uncertainty and changes to their care.

“With the Omicron variant now posing another significant threat, it is going to add another level of stress and fear among those with cancer who are awaiting or undergoing treatment so it is vitally important they have a positive focus.

“That is why we are urging all cancer patients to take control of what they can and improve their levels of fitness as soon as they are able to as the benefit of it to recovery and outcomes is evident and it is something every individual has in their power to change.”

Mr Pearce spoke out following new research from his colleagues at University Hospital Southampton and the University of Southampton which found physical fitness before surgery for cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract was an indicator of how well the patient recovered from surgery.

The study, published in the Journal of Surgical Oncology, also showed an association between poor fitness and survival a year after the operation, with a reduction in chest wall muscle structure and function linked with a lower chance of survival.

The same clinical research team devised the concept of “pre-habilitation” which helps patients recover from cancer surgery by increasing fitness levels before their operations.

Mr Pearce explained: “We know earlier this year that cancer groups had been reporting that large numbers of patients had experienced delays, cancellations or changes to their treatment throughout the pandemic and that is such a difficult and traumatic thing.

“We know the NHS is working tirelessly to continue deliver the best possible cancer services but there is a limit to what it can achieve under the current circumstances – and we are regularly hearing about cancellations to surgery in the current circumstances.

“As a result of this it is vitally important patients keep focused and positive about fighting their cancer and do all they can to help themselves while clinical teams work hard behind the scenes to address pressures and delays.

“This research from the Southampton team, who are specialists in pre-habilitation, is the latest in a long line of studies that demonstrate the importance of physical fitness prior to surgery or any cancer treatment and it is further cause for people to waste no time in devising a fitness plan now and into the new year.”

Published: 28/12/2021 by Radio NewsHub