Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service
Why is keeping active important
Physical activity has many benefits for children and adolescents with cancer.
Help with treatment side effects
Cancer treatment can have many side effects that vary for each child or adolescent. Side effects often make keeping active a challenge and can lead to long periods of time spent in bed. Certain chemotherapy drugs can also damage nerves and muscles. Evidence shows that children and adolescents with a cancer diagnosis are less active than other children and adolescents of the same age.
Long periods of bed rest can result in muscle weakness and joint stiffness, which over time may affect the ability to walk and do everyday tasks independently. Keeping active can help to minimise and even prevent some of the side effects of cancer treatment. It can also have a positive effect on mood and improve treatment-related symptoms such as fatigue.
