No one can dispute the benefits of regular physical activity. Exercise not only can help control weight, but it's also known to maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints as well as reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and stroke. And according to the National Cancer Institute, there's even a link between regular physical activity and a reduced risk of cancer, including that of the breast, colon, prostate and lung.
Prevention
A meta-analysis conducted by the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics at the National Cancer Institute in 2005 indicates that higher levels of leisure-time physical activity protects against lung cancer. Leisure-time physical activity is often characterized as any exercise, sport or physical hobby done in your leisure, which includes swimming. This means that swimming can reduce your odds ratio of developing lung cancer.
Smokers
Taking this claim one step further is a study reported in the "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention" in 2006. It concluded that regular physical activity may even help prevent this disease in people that currently smoke. Women that participated in vigorous activity, such as jogging, aerobics or swimming, more than once a week were 29 percent less likely of developing lung cancer than those that rarely participated in such activities. This study also showed that female smokers can reduce their risk of lung cancer by 65 percent and 72 percent with moderate physical activity levels and high physical activity levels, respectively.
Treatment
Regular physical activity, however, doesn't only play a role in preventing lung cancer. It may also be of benefit during and after treatment of this disease. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, patients and survivors of cancer should strive to get at least the same level of exercise as any other individual. This level is set at 150 minutes of moderately-intense exercise or 60 minutes of vigorously-intense exercise each week. As mentioned before, swimming is often characterized as a vigorous physical activity, so taking a 20-minute swim three days a week or even a 10-minute swim six days a week could be beneficial to your health.
Effects
One of the main benefits of regular physical activity, such as swimming, is improving your quality of life both during and after treatment for lung cancer. People generally see an improvement in mood, energy and enjoyment of day-to-day activities with regular exercise. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also reports that it may help to prevent any muscle wasting associated with chemotherapy.
Recommendation
Just because you take part in moderate-to-vigorous physical activities doesn't negate the need to quit smoking. Nothing can supersede the benefits of smoking cessation, so talk to your doctor about starting a quit smoking plan as soon as possible. It's also important to discuss any changes in physical activity with your doctor or oncologist. Medical professionals may determine that swimming may not be as much of a benefit to you as another form of exercise.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Physical Activity and Cancer
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: To Best Fight Cancer, New Guidelines Urge Exercise
- "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
- United Press International: Exercise May Benefit Lung Cancer Patients
- Journal of Thoracic Oncology: A Structured Exercise Program for Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.
