HJAR Jan/Feb 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  JAN / FEB 2025 39 Diane Wilder, MD Medical Oncologist CARTI WHAT IS THE SECRET to a long and healthy life? For decades, Americans have sought to answer this question. We have researched and experimented with the latest trends in our quest for well-being. Our practices have run the gamut, from restrictive diet plans to aggressive exercise schedules and po- tentially dangerous homeopathic remedies found on social media. These routines are generally short-lived because they are either unworkable, un- manageable or ineffective. While well-in- tentioned, adopting — and then abandoning — these short-term solutions can leave us deflated and potentially discouraged from pursuing future lifestyle modifications. It is a feeling I have experienced firsthand and heard directly from cancer patients — those who may benefit most from integrating pro- active health habits, such as physical activity, into their daily lives. The positive news is that physicians can shift the perspective and the often consum- ing focus on quick fixes to help patients improve their overall well-being. Grow- ing research shows that a comprehensive yet accessible approach that incorporates evidence-based methods like regular ex- ercise is crucial to assisting individuals in sustaining their health and even reducing their cancer risk and mortality. Through education and empowerment, we can put longevity within patients’ reach. As doctors, encouraging physical activity should be a topic we prioritize or at least touch on at every patient appointment. An Annals of Behavioral Medicine study showed that physical activity of any inten- sity is associated with long-term cognitive and brain health benefits, such as process- ing speed. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that exercise reduces in- dividuals’risk of severe or chronic diseases, modifications. Exercise is Medicine (EIM), a health initiative overseen by theAmerican College of Sports Medicine, urges physicians to make physical activity part of their stan- dard of care by including it in their treat- ment plans. EIM suggests providers refer patients to evidence-based programs and, when able, connect them with qualified ex- ercise professionals. At the cancer center where I practice, we see how prioritizing these patient-physician conversations around healthy habits like regular exercise can lead to long-term health benefits. For nearly 50 years, we have focused on supporting patients through their cancer journeys, including not only their physical but also their emotional, mental, and financial health. Recently, we launched a health and longevity clinic to continue providing this trusted care to patients in recovery. Following thorough evaluations and screenings, we help them identify easy-to-adopt practices such as exercise, diet, and mental health counseling to promote their long-term well-being. Recent anecdotal evidence and years of studies reaffirmwhat we have long known: Patients look to and trust their doctors to provide the medical guidance they need to protect and enhance their health. As their go-to resources, it’s our responsibility to en- sure that promoting regular physical activity is the standard of care. By individualizing their needs, specifying what practices to follow, and, perhaps most importantly, of- fering consistent positive support, we can help them achieve healthier, happier lives. n DianeWilder,MD, is a fellowship-trained,board-certi- fiedmedical oncologist with CARTI.She sees patients at the not-for-profit cancer care provider’s flagship campus in Little Rock and the CARTI Cancer Center in North Little Rock. including cancer. The American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) found that reg- ular physical activity is associated with a 10-20% reduced incidence rate of bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, adenocarcinoma esophageal, renal, and gastric cancer and a 40-50% decreased mortality rate from breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer. For prevention, ASCO recommends 150- 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75-150 minutes of vigorous ex- ercise each week, plus twice-weekly pro- gressive resistance exercise, such as weight- lifting. ASCO says physicians should also promote physical activity during and after treatment for cancer patients. The Inter- national Multidisciplinary Roundtable on Exercise for Cancer Prevention and Con- trol reaffirms that regular movement can reduce adverse treatment side effects such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, and insom- nia. It can also boost cancer patients’overall quality of life. TheASCO states, “Cancer survivors prefer receiving information about physical ac- tivity from their oncology providers, and research indicates that patient-provider dis- cussions can help to encourage survivors’ physical activity.”Yet, data shows less than a third of cancer survivors’ oncology pro- viders recommend it. Simultaneously, ASCO says only half of the general adult popu- lation in the U.S. meets the recommended guidelines for physical activity. So, how can we promote physical activ- ity in clinical settings? As mentioned previ- ously, we can talk openly with our patients about the benefits of exercise to their health while sharing easy-to-understand resourc- es and materials. Because we have a more intimate understanding of their needs or limitations, we can provide tailored rec- ommendations and, as needed, activity