Precision Exercise Oncology in Cancer Management
Current Body of Knowledge, Opportunities, Gaps, and Future Directions from a German–Slovenian Collaboration
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35469/ak.2026.568Keywords:
cancer prevention, musculoskeletal disorders, physical activityAbstract
In this work, we compare the supportive care models for cancer patients and survivors in two European Union countries, Germany and Slovenia. In summary, we highlight the following recommendations: integrating structured exercise facilities and clinical nutrition departments into hospital settings should become the standard of supportive care to address the projected rise in cancer incidence over the next 15 years. Current university curricula do not adequately prepare professionals to address the specific needs of cancer patients. This necessitates interdisciplinary, hospital-based exercise and nutrition programmes, supported by advanced diagnostics and delivered in accessible multilingual formats, to improve patient outcomes, enhance return-to-work rates, and justify dedicated health insurance funding through their demonstrated high economic and clinical value. These recommendations call for action to standardize supportive care protocols throughout partner countries and institutions. The success of this initiative depends on establishing sustainable funding streams from government resources, health insurance providers, and third-party funders, justified by the clear economic and clinical benefits of early occupational reintegration.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Damir Zubac, Michael Mendes Wefelnberg, Gašper Tonin, Karla Berlec, Miloš Kalc, Nada Rotovnik Kozjek
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