The integrated therapya set of non-pharmacological interventionsare gaining more and more space in the care of cancer patients. These therapies, which support the rehabilitation process and the overall well-being of the patient, were at the center of the discussions XII National Congress of the Onconauti Associationrecently held in Bologna.
New scientific evidence demonstrates that the integration of practices such asphysical activity and the psychological support improves the quality of life, reduces the risk of recurrence and increases the chances of survival for those facing an oncological diagnosis, especially regarding the breast cancer and the prostate cancer.
Benefits of integrated therapies in breast and prostate cancer
Recent studies confirm that Integrated therapies have a tangible positive impactespecially in cases of breast and prostate cancer. Adopting one healthy lifestylein addition to pharmacological therapies, can:
- reduce side effects related to oncological treatments,
- promote rehabilitation,
- support the patient in better coping with the disease.
According to the reports presented during the congress, integrated therapies can reduce the risk of developing a second cancer by up to 50%. Currently, approximately 20% of cancer patients develop a second neoplasm in the ten years following the diagnosis of the first tumor. Studies have shown that approaches such as psychological support, physical rehabilitation and the adoption of healthy lifestyles can prevent further cancer diagnoses, thus contributing to improve long-term prognosis.
For further information:The benefits of Nordic walking in breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases
Integrated treatments for physical and mental support
Integrated oncology stands out for the use of non-pharmacological interventionslike the psychological support and the mind-body practiceswhich include yoga, acupuncture, and Qi Gong. These practices aim to provide psychological and physical relief to patients, promoting post-treatment recovery and reducing symptoms such as anxiety and stress.
These complementary treatments, applied in major international cancer centers, can significantly improve the quality of life and contribute to a more effective rehabilitation process. Experts maintain that mind-body practices and psychological support have proven to be an essential complement to pharmacological treatments, with benefits also extending to the social and relational sphere of patients.
For further information:Resilience can extend life
Physical activity as oncological prevention
One area of growing interest concerns the role of structured physical activity in prevention of tumor recurrence. Data on physical activity have highlighted that this performs a similar function to that of a “natural medicine” for cancer patients.
According to the studies presented, women who practice at least half an hour of physical activity a day they showed a 43% reduction in overall mortality risk and 30% risk of breast cancer-specific mortality compared to sedentary women.
Even in cases of prostate cancer, physical activity has significant positive effects. It has been seen that in patients under active surveillance, exercise can reduce the risk of recurrence by 20% and improve survival by 40%.
Experts believe that these benefits are due to both a direct action of the musclewhich produces molecules capable of counteracting the proliferation of tumor cellsand to a strengthening of the immune system, which hinders the growth of neoplastic cells.
New guidelines for integrated follow-up
Integrated therapies, say specialists, represent a new frontier in oncologyas they offer a more holistic perspective of patient care. Thanks to the synergy between pharmacological treatments and non-pharmacological interventions, today it is possible to significantly improve the lives of cancer patients, offering them a complete and personalized rehabilitation path.
Source
- Press release XII National Congress of the Onconauti Association
