Group Resources
Position Statement
Exercise in Cancer Care
The Exercise in Cancer Care position statement endorses evidence-based guidelines and applies them to the Australian setting. The statement is intended to provide guidance to all members of the multidisciplinary cancer team and calls for exercise to be viewed as an adjunct therapy and incorporated into routine cancer care.
This position statement was launched in May 2018. It was updated in December 2020 to include greater emphasis on the triad recommendation of “Discuss, Recommend and Refer”, less prescriptive language and new images to illustrate exercise in a variety of settings.
Position Statement
Cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia
This document outlines the position of COSA on the role of health professionals and health services in recognising and treating patients with cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia, with a focus on practice tips to support implementation of optimal management. It is intended for use by clinicians and health services to advocate for the resources and services required to support optimal management of cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia.
Malnutrition and muscle loss also occur in adolescents and young adults with cancer; however, this document is intended to address the management of these conditions in adults.
Cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia position statement: Implementation toolkit
The toolkit is intended for use by clinicians and health services to train clinicians, develop the required services, and advocate for resources to support optimal management of cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia.
Endorsed Resources
The Australian Digital Health in Cancer Care Roadmap
The Australian Digital Health in Cancer Care Roadmap (published November 2019)
This Roadmap is intended to identify priorities for the development, implementation and use of digital health technologies in cancer care in Australia so that health systems can respond to priority needs identified that reflect best evidence and consumer and other stakeholder input. The Roadmap has been endorsed by COSA and other organisations listed on page 2.
Useful Link
Prostate Cancer PD
A professional development course for exercise specialists and health professionals with an interest in exercise for prostate cancer patients. The course is based on the latest scientific evidence and extensive clinical experience in delivering best practice care to men with prostate cancer.
Endorsed Resources
Standard for Informed Financial Consent
Standard for Informed Financial Consent (published 2019, reviewed April 2020)
The Standard for Informed Financial Consent guides health professionals and practices to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment to include cost. The Standard was developed by Breast Cancer Network Australia, Cancer Council Australia, CanTeen and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia as a key component of delivering quality care. COSA along with other organisations listed on page 11 endorse the Standard for Informed Financial Consent.
Useful Link
MJA article on COSA Exercise Position Statement
This article published in 2018 in the Medical Journal of Australia summarises the COSA position statement on Exercise in Cancer Care. It provides guidance for all health professionals involved in the care of people with cancer about integrating exercise into routine cancer care.
Useful Link
Combating prostate cancer’s side effects with exercise
ABC interview in May 2017 with Dr Prue Cormie and prostate cancer survivor Lee Giampietro. Some of the negative side effects of prostate cancer treatment can be reduced through exercise, which can also help to improve survival rates.
Group Chair
Group Chair
David Mizrahi
Exercise & Cancer Group Chair