In 2010, more than 150,000 American's will die of lung cancer, according to estimates by the National Cancer Institute, and approximately one in 14 men and women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Although lung cancer is not fully preventable, avoiding known risk factors such as smoking can reduce your risk. The Cancer Institute also recommends consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables and including exercise in your daily routine to decrease your risk. If you have been diagnosed, exercise can also help you heal following treatment and improve your overall quality of life.
Significance
"More people die from lung cancer than from any other type of cancer," according to the National Cancer Institute. Both smokers and non-smokers are at risk for developing this disease, and risk factors including obesity and lack of exercise increase your chances of developing lung cancer. Including 30 minutes of moderate activity every day can help you maintain your weight in a healthy range. Although smoking plays a major factor in lung cancer risk, even smokers can benefit from increasing physical activity, according to the institute.
Prevention
Your risk of lung cancer is reduced by at least 20 percent if you perform vigorous physical activity, according to the National Cancer Institute. This benefit is not as effective on smokers; therefore, the most important preventative measure to reduce cancer risk is to stop smoking. Fitness might reduce cancer risk by improving lung function so that carcinogens can clear the airway more effectively and "reduce the duration of agent-airway interaction, and reduce the extent to which carcinogenic particles are deposited into the airways," according to an article published in December 2006 in "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention."
Treatment
Treatment for lung cancer is personalized based on the type and stage that it's in. For some, surgery is performed to remove the tumor. After surgery, some patients find the smallest amount of activity to be difficult. Research conducted at Duke University found that post-surgical lung cancer patients function better after establishing an exercise routine. Starting with a brief stroll to the mailbox and working up to a 30-minute walk a day can improve your postoperative lung function.
If surgery is not an option, gradually increasing your fitness level can help improve your quality of life. Physicians at Fox Chase and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center followed patients undergoing lung cancer treatments. Those patients who could complete 60 minutes of vigorous activity weekly were less depressed, reported greater vitality and experienced less shortness of breath when compared to patients who were less active.
Benefits
Cancer patients commonly complain about fatigue that does not improve with rest. Although you might be inclined to lie around in effort to feel more energized, exercise can work to reduced fatigue. Although your fitness and endurance levels might have decreased, you will find that exercising at a comfortable pace will help you feel better physically and mentally. Exercise will also help strengthen your heart and muscles.
Potential
Fitness can be an important part of your decision to stop smoking, which significantly reduces your risk of lung cancer. Exercise is important to help keep your weight in control as your body adjusts to the reduction in nicotine. Exercise can help to cut cravings, decrease anxiety and help you cope with stress and withdrawal symptoms. After developing a fitness plan and initiating exercise into your new, healthier lifestyle, you are more likely to feel good about yourself and your decision to stop smoking. As a result, you will have reduced your lifetime risk of lung cancer.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Physical Activity and Cancer
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention": The Association of Physical Activity with Lung Cancer Incidence in a Cohort of Older Women: The Iowa Women's Health Study
- American Cancer Society: Post-Surgery Exercise Benefits Lung Cancer Patients
- "Science Daily": Regular Physical Activity Linked To Better Quality Of Life
- National Cancer Institute: SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Lung and Bronchus
