Exercise Linked to Fewer Falls in Older Adults with Cancer

Falls are a leading cause of serious injuries in older adults. The risk is even higher for older people with cancer. A new study suggests that for people over 65 with cancer, a conversation with their doctor about physical activity could be key to reducing the chances of a dangerous fall.

“The experience of falling can be life changing for older adults with cancer. This study helps us better understand the relationship between physical activity and falls in older adults, who are often understudied in cancer research.” said Allison Magnuson, DO, an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) expert and geriatric oncologist at the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute. Dr. Magnuson was not involved in this study.

The study showed that people with lung cancer, colorectal cancer, or prostate cancer, in particular, had a lower risk of falling when they talked with their doctor about physical activity. This finding is important because people with these types of cancer generally have a higher risk of falling. The higher risk may be due to the location of the cancer or the different types of treatments used, such as surgery or radiation therapy. The findings from this study were presented at the 2024 ASCO Quality Care Symposium.

Physical activity helps prevent falls for older people

Cancer and its treatment can cause symptoms and side effects that may impact day-to-day life. For example, it can cause muscle weakness, nausea, and fatigue. Other health problems and medications can also affect balance and cause problems with mobility. All of these combined means older patients are at higher risk for balance problems, weakness, and falls with related injuries, such as broken bones or a head injury. These types of injuries can also be harder for older patients to recover from. So, if an older patient falls, their quality of life and even their treatment plan and outcomes can suffer. Getting regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of falls. There are many options for activities that can be done at home.

Exercises to improve balance during cancer

Balance exercises can help increase stability. Plus, they don’t take a lot of time. If you’re getting started with balance exercises, try holding onto a chair for support as you do them. As your balance improves, you may only need to hold onto the chair with one hand. Eventually, you may not need to hold onto the chair at all.

Here are 4 balance exercises for fall prevention that you can try:

• Calf raises. While standing in place, slowly raise each heel up and down separately, feeling a stretch in your calves.
• Standing on one foot. Lift one leg behind you and hold for 5-10 seconds. Then, switch to the other leg. You can increase the length of time as needed.
• Tightrope. Put your heel in front of the big toe on your other foot, as if you are walking on a tightrope. Putting a yardstick or a line of masking tape on the floor can help you follow a straight path.
• Leg lifts. While standing, slowly lift your leg to the front, then place it back down. Repeat this pattern by lifting your leg to the back and then to the side. You can modify this to do while sitting if needed.

Before starting any new exercise, talk to your doctor. Ask about what types of exercises they would recommend to help prevent falls in older adults.

Learn more about exercise and cancer treatment from the American Cancer Society:

• Physical Activity and the Person with Cancer
• Nutrition and Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment
• Moving Through Cancer: A Guide to Getting and Staying Active During Cancer Treatment (PDF)

Dr. Magnuson is an Associate Editor on ASCO’s Patient Information Editorial Board.