The Impact of Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention: Implications for Nurses

Objectives To discuss the significant issues surrounding the prescribing of physical activity as a first line of defense against the development of age-associated life-limiting illnesses such as cancer while providing strategic knowledge for clinicians regarding its prescription and management. Data Sources Literature review on physical activity in cancer prevention. Conclusion There is growing evidence that reduced physical activity increases the risk of co-morbid conditions such as cancer, yet there is limited clinician education and subsequent prescription of physical activity. Implications for Nursing Practice Nurses in partnership with other primary care clinicians have a unique opportunity to effect change of our nation's greatest modifiable public health threat, physical inactivity.