- Medical studies show that regular sport is beneficial in the fight against cancer.
- Since September 2018, a partnership between the Stade Toulousain and the Oncopole has made it possible to welcome patients on the Ernest-Wallon grounds for physical exercise.
Since Monday, a large fresco has been displayed in the entrance hall of the Institut universitaire du cancer de Toulouse Oncopole. This assemblage of photos brings together stars of the Stade Toulousain and "average" people with a single message: "play sports to fight cancer". “It is a very strong symbol, appreciates Professor Michel Attal, director of the Oncopole. This will allow all the patients who will pass in front of them to ask themselves at least the question: "What is this thing?" »»
This “tip” recalls the partnership between the establishment and the most successful rugby club in France, established in September 2018. The program is based on an observation supported by scientific studies: exercising is good for cancer patients.
"There are three major benefits," says Guillaume Renaud, a sports therapy practitioner who works on Ernest-Wallon's facilities. Playing sports on a regular basis reduces the rate of recurrence of cancer, but also the side effects including fatigue, and this recreates muscle mass. "
Without forgetting the improvement in the quality of life, self-esteem and social life. "These are the first feedback from patients, even if it is less quantifiable," says the 23-year-old, who works in Cami Sport and Cancer.
"Muscle softening and strengthening"
Launched in 2000, this association supports 3,500 patients per week throughout France. At the Oncopole, it took care of 350 people last year, and a hundred at Ernest-Wallon.
Francis Rouzies, 65, is one of them. Since last year, this retired victim of multiple myeloma in 2016 has visited the facilities of Stade Toulousain, amidst the champion players of France. "I do flexibility and muscle strengthening exercises, the effects of which we can quickly see," appreciates the sixty-something.
Two group sessions each week
After an initial consultation, a health check-up and physical tests, the patients are integrated into a group of twelve to fifteen people for two weekly group sessions lasting one hour each, for four months renewable as many whenever necessary.
"It is a question of meeting individual objectives in a group practice," summarizes Guillaume Renaud. We must be able to do exercises, postures that will respond to side effects, but also to the desires and needs of patients. For the time being, the majority are patients, often treated for breast cancer.
But all the partners of this action hope to diversify the profiles, and popularize the initiative. "It's time to talk about it, to be able to accommodate hundreds of people," proclaims Didier Lacroix, president of Stade Toulousain. "We are targeting the 300 patients at Ernest-Wallon next year," says Professor Michel Attal.
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Sport and cancer: Stade Toulousain joins the fight
- Toulouse
- Toulousain stadium
- Cancer
- Health
- Sport
- Rugby