ACE Cancer Exercise Specialist flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

TNM staging system

TNM describes primary tumor size and invasion (T), regional lymph node involvement (N), and distant metastasis (M); combined with other factors it assigns an overall cancer stage.

Neoadjuvant therapy

Treatment given before primary surgery or radiation to shrink a tumor, improve resectability, and assess response; it may be combined with prehabilitation exercise.

Adjuvant therapy

Treatment given after curative-intent surgery or radiation to eliminate microscopic residual disease and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

ECOG performance status

A clinician-rated 0–4 scale of functional ability, from fully active at 0 to completely disabled at 4; higher scores indicate greater impairment and poorer prognosis.

Histologic tumor grade

A measure of how abnormal tumor cells appear under microscopy, usually graded 1–3; higher grade generally indicates faster growth and more aggressive behavior.

Palliative cancer treatment

Cancer-directed or symptom-focused care intended to relieve suffering and improve quality of life when cure is not the goal.

Cancer-related fatigue

A persistent, distressing sense of physical, emotional, or cognitive tiredness related to cancer or its treatment that is not proportional to recent activity and interferes with function.

Cancer cachexia

A multifactorial syndrome of involuntary weight loss, muscle wasting, and metabolic dysregulation common in advanced cancer that impairs strength and treatment tolerance.

Anthracycline cardiotoxicity

Dose-related heart muscle injury from drugs such as doxorubicin that can reduce left ventricular ejection fraction and increase heart failure risk years after treatment.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Nerve damage from agents such as taxanes or platinum compounds causing numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, and balance problems, typically in the hands and feet.

Lymphedema

Accumulation of protein-rich fluid in an extremity or body region after lymph node surgery or radiation, causing swelling, heaviness, restricted motion, and infection risk.

Absolute neutrophil count threshold

The neutrophil count used to assess infection risk; many exercise programs defer group or high-intensity training when the absolute neutrophil count is below 500 cells per microliter.

Platelet count exercise threshold

A low platelet count below 50,000 per microliter generally warrants avoiding contact sports and heavy resistance training because of increased bleeding risk.

Hemoglobin exercise threshold

Hemoglobin below 8 grams per deciliter is commonly considered a contraindication to moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise until the cause is evaluated and corrected.

Bone metastasis screening

Clinician assessment for new, persistent, or night-time bone pain, pathologic fracture, or imaging evidence; unstable lesions require clearance and modified loading.

Medical clearance

Authorization from a treating clinician or qualified provider before exercise when screening reveals unstable cardiac, bone, hematologic, or infection-related risk.

Six-minute walk test

A submaximal field test measuring the greatest distance walked in six minutes; it assesses functional exercise capacity and tracks change over time.

FITT-VP principle

A program-design framework specifying frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and progression of exercise to match goals and clinical status.

Prehabilitation

Exercise, nutrition, and psychosocial support delivered before cancer treatment to improve functional reserve and reduce postoperative complications.

Rating of perceived exertion

A subjective 6–20 or 0–10 scale for effort; it helps set and adjust intensity when heart-rate responses are altered by cancer treatment.

One-repetition maximum

The heaviest load lifted once with good form; in cancer settings estimated or submaximal repetitions are often used to reduce injury risk.

Exercise progression during treatment

Advance exercise volume or intensity only when symptoms remain stable and recovery is adequate; reduce or pause during acute treatment toxicities.

Exercise stop signs

Chest pain, severe dyspnea, dizziness, syncope, palpitations, confusion, or new neurologic symptoms require immediate cessation and urgent medical evaluation.

Neutropenic precautions

When white blood cell counts are low, avoid crowded gyms, shared equipment, and unhealed skin wounds; practice hand hygiene and report fever promptly.

Pathologic fracture risk

Cancer in bone weakens it; avoid high-impact, twisting, and heavy loading near lesions and use supported, controlled movements.

Lymphedema exercise precautions

Gradual progressive resistance and aerobic exercise are generally safe; monitor swelling, ill-fitting garments, and infection, and seek specialist advice for changes.

Radiation skin reaction

Treated skin may be fragile and painful; avoid friction, chlorine, sun exposure, and irritants during acute reactions, and follow oncology team guidance.

Motivational interviewing

A collaborative conversation style that explores ambivalence and strengthens a person's own reasons for change, using open questions and reflective listening.

Transtheoretical model

Stages of change-precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance-guide matching support to a person's readiness to adopt exercise.

Self-efficacy

Belief in one's ability to perform a specific behavior; it predicts exercise adoption and is strengthened by mastery experiences and social modeling.

Distress screening

Use of validated tools to identify cancer-related emotional, social, and practical concerns that warrant referral to psychosocial or supportive services.

Interprofessional collaboration

Coordinated communication with oncology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, and mental health providers to align exercise with medical care.