In Italy, 950 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. The Italian Oncology Patient Network recommends getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week.

In Italy, 925 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. All of these patients are recommended at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. This healthy habit can reduce mortality, lower the risk of cancer recurrence, and improve treatment tolerability. This is the finding of the Italian Oncology Patients Network (ROPI) in the 2026 edition of one of its 60 "Information Notebooks," an entire series of publications with certified information and helpful advice for patients and caregivers.  

"We offer support tools that address oncology care from every angle," says Stefani Gori, president of Ropi. "Physical activity is not a secondary aspect in the fight against a highly prevalent cancer like breast cancer. Women who have undergone surgery must be encouraged to adopt a non-sedentary lifestyle. There are various activities available, such as swimming, dancing, gentle gymnastics, cycling, fitness walking or Nordic walking, or stretching. These activities should be practiced three to five times a week for 20 to 60 minutes a day, either continuously or intermittently. Furthermore, patients should also be encouraged to simply walk, do household chores, or garden. To facilitate adherence to the exercise program, they can work out at home after learning the exercises well."  

Medical research, Ropi recalls in a note, has clearly demonstrated all the benefits that exercise can have, and not just for breast cancer. Scientific studies have highlighted positive effects for other cancers, such as colorectal cancer or prostate cancer, Gori emphasizes. However, patients are not always fully aware and informed about the importance of exercise during and after cancer treatments. For example, cancer treatments cause fatigue, a constant feeling of tiredness, exhaustion, and lack of energy. It is estimated that it affects over 80% of people undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Although it may seem counterintuitive, the expert observes, physical exercise helps you feel better and less tired, and is also a valuable aid in better coping with other side effects. It reduces joint pain, improves cardiovascular and respiratory capacity, improves balance, and decreases the risk of osteoporosis. Finally, physical exercise also has a psychological impact because it helps manage anxiety, promotes socialization and fun, improves mood, and combats depression. However, Gori warns, exercise must be personalized and take into account the individual needs and characteristics of the patient. We have therefore We decided to raise awareness among patients, caregivers, and even medical personnel, and we are already at the third edition of our information booklet."  

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Also in support of patients and caregivers, Ropi recently launched the eleventh edition of the "Federica – Words of Life" literary prize. The competition aims to encourage and highlight the magic of the words of many patients who have or have had to deal with cancer. It is also open to family members and professionals working in the oncology field.  

"Writing," Gori emphasizes, "allows us to give voice to our most intimate selves, to the achievements many patients have made, and to the value they place on living each day to the fullest. Writing can truly become a therapeutic tool for expressing emotions, moods, anguish, and hope, to relive a dramatic experience in new words. We decided to title it 'Federica,' in memory of a young woman who fought her illness with determination, continuing to write, dream, work, love, and plan." The initiative closes at the end of the year, and participants can submit narratives (short stories, testimonies, diaries, fairy tales) or poetry (verse or prose). 

(Adnkronos)