How to Write an Exercise Prescription MAJ Robert L. Gauer, MD LTC Francis G. O’Connor, MD, FACSM Department of Family Medicine Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences [...]... attempt to recommend and prescribe an exercise program Clearly, not all patients are willing to accept a provider’s advice to start exercising Others may desire to exercise, yet lack the knowledge or motivation In an attempt to take a non-threatening, unbiased approach to this subject, this paper has designed a useful algorithm that demonstrates the approach to exercise assessment and exercise prescription. .. amounts to reduce cancer risk (Table 3).25 Table 3 Physical Activity and the Reduced Risk of Specific Cancers Cancer Type Potential Mechanism Potential Risk Decrease Most cancer types Colon cancer Decreased body fat Breast cancer Enhanced immune system Shortened intestinal transit time Unknown 1.2 - 2.0 Hormone level changes Decreased body fat Hormone level changes 2.4(Study of women . are tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Physical inactivity appears to be the other significant modifiable risk factor. Moderate exercise appears to enhance the. Sciences