Blood cancers originate in blood-forming tissues such as bone marrow and the immune system. Collectively, blood cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in Australia and represents almost 10 per cent of all cancers diagnosed worldwide. There are five main classifications within the blood cancer group—leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myeloproliferative neoplasm and myelodysplastic syndrome—and each of these classifications has numerous subtypes. The prognosis and medical treatment vary between subtypes. 

Blood cancer is associated with a large number of symptoms, side effects and complications, caused both by the underlying cancer and by the medical treatments. Patients and survivors can experience a multitude of physical impairments caused by the complex interactions between cancer-related fatigue, reduced physical activity and deconditioning, the impact of the cancer itself and medical treatments undertaken. 

The role of physical activity in the prevention and management of cancer is well established. While there is less evidence available supporting its role in blood cancer, exercise has been shown to be safe when conducted within safe parameters. The current public message about physical activity for blood cancer is to avoid inactivity and return to usual activities when able after diagnosis. 

Physiotherapy management of blood cancer centres on physical activity and exercise. Goals include preparing the patient physically for medical treatment, maintaining health during treatment, facilitating recovery after treatment and maximising health and wellbeing in both survivors and those undergoing palliative care. 

In her Journal of Physiotherapy Invited Topical Review, Dr Catherine Granger comprehensively summarises the clinical presentation of blood cancer, the disease burden, management of blood cancer with a focus on physiotherapy treatment and precautions, and future directions for research and clinical practice.

For more information and to read the entire Invited Topical Review article, click here.

This blog is a Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) initiative.

A/Prof Catherine Granger (FACP PhD BPhysioHons GCUT) is a cardiorespiratory physiotherapist and clinician scientist with expertise in physical activity and exercise for cancer and cardiorespiratory patient populations. A/Prof Catherine Granger is an Associate Professor and Dame Kate Campbell Fellow in the Department of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne; the Director of Graduate Research in the School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne; and the Head of Physiotherapy Research at The Royal Melbourne Hospital.