Functional Medicine Bitesized Exercise as Medicine in Cancer Care
In this episode of Functional Medicine Bitesized, I had the opportunity to sit down with Chris Fitzmaurice, clinical exercise physiologist at the University of Miami Health System and certified cancer exercise specialist, to explore the powerful role of exercise as medicine in cancer care.
It was a fascinating chat unpacking how aerobic and resistance training act as “molecular medicine”—modulating inflammation, supporting the immune system, and changing the tumor microenvironment to make standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation more effective and better tolerated. Chris used a brilliant analogy explaining how exercise can be thought of as turning the tumor’s “paradise beach” into “Antarctica,” disrupting its ability to thrive.
Listen in to hear more about personalised exercise prescription for different cancer types and stages, the emerging science of myokines and exerkines as well as the mental health impact of movement, including how exercise can prevent and treat depression in cancer survivors
We also discussed highly practical strategies including one of my all time favourites, "exercise snacks" and why, when it comes to exercise, anything is better than nothing.
Links mentioned in this episode
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