Breast cancer: ULSS3 launches sports and rehabilitation programmes at eight gyms

Eight health centres to help women undergoing post-surgical cancer treatment following a diagnosis of breast cancer to combat the disease and prevent recurrence. This is an initiative by ULSS 3 Serenissima, which has launched a programme prescribing physical exercise specifically designed for people with cancer.

Patients will be offered bespoke programmes at the following centres: Polisportiva Terraglio in Mestre, Gymnasium in Martellago, Policlinico San Marco in Mestre, Otium Biofitness in Noale, Baobab Fitness in Quarto d’Altino, Smartfit in Spinea, Riviera Nuoto in Chioggia and Palestra K in Sottomarina.

“This project aims to ensure continuity of care through structured physical activity programmes delivered by specially trained staff,” explained Massimo Zuin, Director-General of ULSS 3. “It is aimed at stable cancer patients and involves individualised care designed to improve their health and reduce the risk of any relapses. This is precisely the paradigm shift: physical activity becomes a medical prescription, just like a prescription for medication, and the care pathway is integrated, involving our preventive medicine specialists, oncologists and rehabilitation specialists.”

For the ‘Health Gyms’ project, ULSS 3 Serenissima has been selected by the Region, alongside two other local health authorities, as a pilot social and healthcare organisation. It will run throughout 2027 and also provides for financial support from ULSS 3 for sporting activities, amounting to 30 euros per month for the identified patients.

“In this project too, our mission is to promote healthy lifestyles at every stage of life, including – and all the more so – during the most challenging periods,” emphasised Vittorio Selle, Director of the Department of Prevention. “We are talking about a return to full health, which is referred to as tertiary prevention or rehabilitation, and is aimed at limiting damage, monitoring clinical progression, preventing complications and relapses, and improving quality of life.”

The programme involves a prescription for physical activity at the health gym by an oncology specialist or the Breast Unit. This will enable women to undertake structured exercise under suitable clinical conditions, as assessed by their doctor. At the health gym, patients are welcomed, taken under care, motivated and monitored as they make progress. They will also be supported by an expert kinesiologist, who holds a degree in sports science and a master’s degree in the science and techniques of preventive and adapted physical activity, with training and experience in managing chronic patients.

“Our task is to identify patients who can benefit from the activities carried out in the health gyms and to prescribe this type of targeted physical exercise for them,” explain Francesco Rosetti, Head of Oncology at Mestre; Giuseppe Azzarello, Head of Oncology at Dolo and Mirano; Giuseppe Papaccio, Head of the Breast Unit in Mestre, and Erica Brugin, Head of Sports Medicine in Noale. “During their consultation, these women will receive a prescription form from us specialists, which they can present at any of the eight certified gyms participating in the initiative. “Physical activity is essential: it reduces damage and helps women achieve physical recovery and full reintegration into society.”