MedWire News: Many cancer survivors are overweight and engage in little physical activity, placing themselves at increased risk of health problems, including cancer recurrence, say Canadian researchers.

"These findings tell us that we need to look at ways to better support cancer survivors to become more active and to maintain a healthy body weight," said lead researcher Dr Kerry Courneya, from the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

Dr Courneya and team studied data from a survey of 114,355 Canadian adults conducted in 2005. All the respondents supplied information on their cancer history, weight and physical activity levels.

The researchers found that around 18% of cancer survivors were obese, compared with around 15% of the general population.

The team also found that just 21% of cancer survivors were physically active, compared with 25% of other people included in the study.

Among cancer survivors, colorectal and breast cancer patients had the lowest levels of physical activity, while the highest levels were seen among men who had survived prostate cancer.

Dr Courneya commented: "It's a challenge for all of us to eat properly and exercise, and it may be especially challenging for cancer survivors who have been through difficult treatments and may have lingering health issues.

"But eating well and exercising are two of the best things we can do for our mental and physical health, even in trying times. Rest is rarely the best medicine for any health condition."

She concluded: "These important findings will help in developing ways to provide effective support for cancer patients."

The research appears in an advance online publication by the journal Cancer.