South East Technological University (SETU) researchers have played a key role in a national review of physical activity services for cancer patients in Ireland.
SETU researchers were part of a national consortium commissioned by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) to undertake a scoping review of physical activity services in Ireland. The NCCP, part of the HSE, works with partners to prevent cancer, treat cancer, and improve survival and quality of life for people with cancer. A growing body of scientific evidence has identified the beneficial effects of physical activity on outcomes in cancer patients and survivors. Being regularly physically active can mitigate many of the side effects of cancer treatment, improve physical function, improve mood and overall quality of life.
Commenting on the study, SETU Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact, Prof. Marie Claire Van Hout said, “This research is an important step towards ensuring that every cancer patient in Ireland has access to evidence-based physical activity support as part of their care journey. SETU is committed to research that drives real-world impact, and this study provides a clear roadmap for integrating structured exercise initiatives into cancer care at a national level.”
A scoping review of physical activity for cancer patients
The research consortium was led by Prof. Niall Moyna, DCU and included researchers from TUS Athlone and Prof. Michael Harrison, Dr. Bróna Kehoe and Dr. Patricia Sheehan from SETU. The team was tasked with undertaking a scoping review of physical activity and exercise services available for cancer patients in Ireland. Following this, the aim was to identify action to expand physical activity services for cancer patients and to propose national recommendations.
Integration of physical activity initiatives into standard of care
The published report identified a number of excellent physical activity initiatives, services and programmes in Ireland that aim to address the needs of cancer patients but they are not provided in all geographical regions and as a standard of care in our cancer centres and cancer services. The report serves as a baseline of knowledge and hopefully an inspiration to healthcare professionals, community leaders, and policymakers to prioritise and integrate physical activity initiatives into the standard of care.
The report has been published and can be accessed by clicking here.
The report was officially launched on Thursday 23rd January at an event at the NCCP offices in Dublin. Pictured above L-R: Mairead Cantwell TUS Athlone, Brona Kehoe SETU, Niall Moyna DCU, Sarah Hardcastle Sheffield Hallam University, Risteárd O’Laoide NCCP, Louise Mullen NCCP, Patricia Sheehan SETU, Michael Harrison SETU, Bernie O’Loughlin NCCP, Ellen Stafford NCCP.
