Exercising Reduces the Risk of Recidivism: a day dedicated to adapted physical activity at the Flers hospital

Animations will be offered on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Flers Hospital Center in Orne to inform patients and caregivers about adapted physical activity (APA). “This day was created in 2016. It promotes physical activity during cancer treatment. In France, there is a decrease in physical activity which promotes risk factors. By staying active, patients see their fatigue decrease by a third and the risk of recurrence by 50%,” analyzed Dr. Paola Fara, digestive surgeon and member of Onco Normandie.

What is adapted physical activity? “First of all, it is different from intense sports. Physical activity has low or moderate intensity. It is practiced in associations, clubs, or gyms,” explains Paola Fara. In the Flers area, the Flers MJC, which recently opened an adapted physical activity house, and the Saint-Georges-des-Groseillers tennis club welcome patients as part of the APA.

The sport is an ally against cancer and for its prevention.

To finance this activity, Dr. Fara assures: “Funding is possible. Onco Normandie offers funding up to 185 euros which includes a diagnostic assessment, five to six sessions, and a final assessment. The League Against Cancer also offers funding. There is support from the first session. Sport is an ally against cancer and for its prevention.”

Sandrine Pottier, a patient, testifies: “In 2019, I learned that I had breast cancer. I didn’t practice any sports. My doctor explained that sports reduce recurrence risks by 40%. That’s the only sentence I remembered, and it convinced me to practice physical activity during my treatment. At first, I didn’t see the point, but in the end, I enjoyed it. This practice helped me increase the mobility of my arm and reduce my lymphedema. I felt the first effects after the first session. Due to nausea, I had an empty stomach. After my first session, I was able to eat again. Besides the physical aspect, I felt benefits on my mental health because we are surrounded by sick people during sessions. This allows for exchange and learning about oneself.”

During the awareness day, patients and caregivers can meet Sandrine Pottier and the structures welcoming people with cancer who wish to practice adapted physical activity starting from 1:30 PM.