Lung cancer claims more lives than any other form of cancer in the U.S., according to MayoClinic.com, and can severely limit the exercise capacity of those living with the disease. Because shortness of breath is a common symptom of lung cancer, "strenuous exercise" will mean different things to different lung cancer patients. A brisk walk, rather than marathon training, may be the best, most realistic choice for lung cancer patients looking to remain physically active, according to a 2009 "Cancer Epidemiology Journal" article.
Benefits
A structured, hospital-based exercise program that focuses on aerobic exercise and weight training could help some lung cancer patients reduce their symptoms, according to a 2009 Massachusetts General Hospital study. Researchers measured the patients' exercise capacity with a six-minute walk test and a test of muscle strength. While not all patients enrolled in the study could complete the eight-week program, those that did attend the twice-weekly workout sessions experienced reduced symptoms and improvement or at least no reduction in their walking tests or muscle strength.
Considerations
Guidelines for lung cancer patients following surgery call for 60 minutes of strenuous exercise per week or 150 minutes of moderate exercise. An example of strenuous versus moderate would be running versus brisk walking. In the "Cancer Epidemiology Journal" study, researchers found that patients that did follow those exercise guidelines reported fewer depressive symptoms, more energy and less shortness of breath.
Types
Types of exercise can vary, though walking or jogging are considered the most common forms of exercise in a controlled hospital-based program or rehabilitation program. However, choosing an activity you enjoy will make you more likely to participate regularly. So if swimming or biking are your preferred workouts, then spend your time on those exercises. Likewise, racquetball, tennis or even dancing and gardening all can help you meet your targets of strenuous or moderate exercise.
Warning
If you have lung cancer, your respiratory system is compromised, so climbing stairs or any exertion may leave you a little short of breath. But shortness of breath can also indicate conditions such as heart failure, heart arrhythmia, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and even kidney failure. Report any symptoms to your doctor and keep up with all your doctor appointments.
Prevention/Solution
Numerous studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce your risk of lung cancer. However, those studies also note that even the slight risk reduction from exercise cannot overcome the huge lung-cancer risks posed by smoking. Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer and even those that quit for some time can significantly improve their odds of avoiding lung cancer the longer they stay smoke-free.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Lung Cancer
- UPI Health News: Exercise May Benefit Lung Cancer Patients
- American Association for Cancer Research: Exercise Can Reduce a Smoker's Lung Cancer Risk, but Quitting Smoking Is Still Most Important
- Cancer Epidemiology Journal: Regular Physical Exercise Improve the Positive Result of Lung Cancer
- MayoClinic.com: Shortness of Breath
- National Cancer Institute: Physical Activity and Cancer
