A recent study suggests that for people older than age 65 who have cancer, physical activity may be key to reducing the chances of a dangerous fall. People with lung cancer, colorectal cancer, or prostate cancer, in particular, had a lower risk of falling when they talked with their doctor about physical activity, according to findings from the study. This finding is important because people with these types of cancer generally have a higher risk of falling, which may be due to the location of the cancer or the different types of treatments used, such as surgery or radiation therapy. The findings from this study were presented at the 2024 ASCO Quality Care Symposium.
Physicial Activity Helps Prevent Falls for Older People
Cancer and its treatment can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness and fatigue and side effects such as nausea that may impact day-to-day life. Other health problems and medications may also affect balance and cause problems with mobility. Consequently, older patients with cancer are at higher risk for balance problems, weakness, and falls with related injuries, such as broken bones or a head injury. These types of injuries may also be more difficult for older patients to recover from. So, if older patients fall, their quality of life and even their treatment plan and outcomes can suffer. Getting regular physical activity may help to reduce the risk of falls.
“The experience of falling can be life changing for older adults with cancer. This study helps us better understand the relationship between physical activity and falls in older adults, who are often understudied in cancer research,” said Allison Magnuson, DO, an ASCO expert and geriatric oncologist at the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute. Dr. Magnuson was not involved in this study.
Exercises to Improve Balance During Cancer Treatment
Balance exercises can help increase stability. Individuals with cancer may want to get started with balance exercises for fall prevention, and to do so, they should try holding onto a chair for support.
Four balance exercises for fall prevention follow:
- Calf raises: While standing in place, slowly raise each heel up and down separately, feeling a stretch in your calves.
- Standing on one foot: Lift one leg behind you and hold for 5 to 10 seconds. Then, switch to the other leg. You can increase the length of time as needed.
- Tightrope: Put your heel in front of the big toe on your other foot, as if you are walking on a tightrope. Putting a yardstick or a line of masking tape on the floor can help you follow a straight path.
- Leg lifts: While standing, slowly lift your leg to the front, then place it back down. Repeat this pattern by lifting your leg to the back and then to the side. You can modify this to do while sitting if needed.
Patients should speak with their doctors before starting any new exercise. More information is available at:
