I was recently contacted by a very nice guy at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance who asked if he could post a guest article on the importance of exercise in the fight against cancer. As a firm believer in the healing powers of proper nutrition and exercise, of course I said yes. So, without further delay, here is his take on the importance of exercise - specifically as it pertains to those fighting cancer.
Exercise - Cancer Treatment’s Secret Weapon
by David Haas
In addition to conventional treatments such as chemotherapy
and radiation, the fight against cancer has a new weapon: working out. And
while it’s well known that exercise is healthful for everybody, it plays an
especially vital role in cancer treatment, with benefits ranging from improved
stamina to a better body image. Experts from the National Cancer
Institute state that regular exercise at a level appropriate for a cancer
patient’s condition can improve not only quality of life, but also ups the odds
of surviving the
disease.
Cancer and its treatments impose severe stresses on the
body. Pain, fatigue, weight and appetite loss can make exercise the last thing
on a cancer patient’s mind. But, oncologists and therapists say, for many
people it should be one of the first things. And although ‘exercise” may
conjure images of vigorous aerobic workouts, the new recommendations for
exercise during caner treatment emphasize that it’s movement of all kinds that
makes the difference, whether it’s running a mile or stretching gently while in
bed. The key is movement – activity that keeps limbs flexible and blood and
oxygen flowing to the brain and body.
The role of exercise in cancer prevention has been well
documented, with statistics showing that regular workouts can actually reduce
the risk of cancers including breast and colon cancer. But until recently
its role in active cancer treatment and recovery has been less studied. Now,
though, exercise that takes into account individual needs and concerns may be
added to treatment plans for a variety of cancers. Strength training, aerobic
exercise and stretching can all help cancer patients to feel better, move
better and tolerate treatments more easily.
For individuals who have undergone surgery for breast cancer,
weight training and stretching can stabilize and strengthen the shoulder and
chest muscles. Aerobic exercise, which can be as simple as a daily walk or as
intense as running, cycling or organized sports, oxygenates the blood, keeps
blood vessels flexible and stimulates the immune system. Even those who are
bedridden can benefit from gentle exercise such as raising and lowering the
arms or lifting the feet. Stretching and flexibility workouts such as yoga or
tai chi can keep joints working and muscles relaxed. This kind of exercise also
incorporates meditation and mindfulness to help reduce stress and activate
relaxation responses, with benefits for blood pressure and the immune system. Individuals
recovering from surgeries may find stretching helpful to strengthen healing
muscles and tissues.
Some types of cancers, such as mesothelioma, colon and other upper body
cancers, cause wasting and weight loss. Strength-building exercise can build
back muscle, which supports the body, stimulates appetite, and creates a more
positive body image. An added bonus is improved balance and coordination.
Experts from NCI caution that while exercise should be a
part of cancer treatment, exercise regimens should be planned with the help of
the care team or a physical therapist familiar with the special issues
affecting cancer patients. Some treatments can leave patients nauseated and
dehydrated, so care must be taken to keep hydrated during exercise.
Because some cancers are associated with muscle weakness, precautions to
avoid falls may be especially important.Treatments for some cancers can
also cause bone fragility, so vigorous exercise or high impact workouts may
increase the risk for fractures.
Because exercise places extra demands on the body’s energy
reserves, nutrition is also important. Cancer and its treatments can cause a
loss of appetite or an inability to tolerate the healthy fats and carbohydrates
needed to support the body during intense exercise, leading to fatigue and loss
of stamina. Keeping well hydrated and nourished is essential for
exercisers with cancer.
Exercise during cancer treatment gives patients a sense of
control and normalcy, which contributes to overall quality of life as well as
physical comfort. Working out also encourages connections with others and
a sense of community. Fitness can also be an important aspect of post-cancer
survival. Many cancer survivors commit to regular exercise as a part of their
ongoing wellness regimen, but experts urge some caution for these individuals
as well since treatments may have some lasting effects such as bone weakness or
balance and coordination problems.
For those coping with cancer and its treatments, exercise
offers benefits for mind, body and spirit. Along with treatments, nutrition and
emotional support, new research suggests that working out may be the newest
weapon in the fight against this disease.
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