Much of the existing research confirms the assumption that regular physical activity can play a
crucial role in nonpharmacological therapy and quality of life management in cancer survivors. The
treatment of oncological diseases itself brings about numerous undesirable side effects, such as
cardiotoxicity, anxiety, depression, sarcopenia, polyneuropathy, cancer fatigue and sleep
disorders. Regular physical activity is associated with significant benefits for health including a
lower risk of developing certain types of tumours and elimination of the accompanying undesirable
effects of oncological treatment.
A number of epidemiological studies found a correlation between regular physical activity and lower
mortality linked to oncological diseases. The minimal amount of the activity needed to gain this
benefit has not been established, however, the recommendations of ACSM indicate that at least 150
minutes of moderate physical activity are needed per week. Physical exercise as nonpharmacological
treatment is a domain of cancer survivors therapy whose aim is to incorporate targeted controlled
exercise programmes into the overall treatment plan of the patients. Exercise programmes can be
performed both in the duration of the illness as well as in the period prior to the treatment or in
the course of adjuvant antitumour treatment (including chemotherapy) and in survivors. When
prescribing physical activity it is necessary to take current health condition of the patient into
account including their comorbidities, age or the level of physical fitness. If controlled physical
activity is to become an indispensable part of oncological treatment it will be necessary to prove
the therapy is safe and cost-effective.