Keeping your fitness levels after being diagnosed with bladder cancer can be a challenge. According to "The Journal of Cancer Survivorship," there is increased evidence that exercise and fitness is be very beneficial for cancer survivors. If you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, consult with your doctor about exercises appropriate to you, then commit yourself to keeping fit.
Bladder Cancer
Like all organs, your bladder is susceptible to cancer and can develop transitional cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. In urinary bladder cancer, the cells of the inner lining of the bladder is usually where the cancer originates, according to the National Cancer Institute. If you think you may have bladder cancer, you should speak with a doctor immediately, because early treatment is the most successful.
Prevalence
In 2007, there were 536,236 men and women with a history of bladder cancer according to the National Cancer Institute. These numbers were includes anyone who was alive who had current bladder cancer or those with their bladder cancer cured. Men constituted approximately 74 percent of this population, while only 26 percent of women developed bladder cancer.
Exercise
Chemotherapy and radiation treatments are hard on your body. The Bladder Cancer Center recommends exercise to increase your heart rate and muscle flexing. This will help your ability to manage your stress and anxiety, allowing you to have increased tolerance toward your treatments. MayoClinic.com suggests those who have already beaten the cancer to exercise for 30 minutes most days to keep their body ready to fight bladder cancer if it should come back.
Diet
A big part of staying fit is eating a healthy diet. You should eat plenty of whole grain foods along with fruits and vegetables. This healthy eating plan, combined with good bladder cancer fitness, will help you stay fit and increase your chances of beating your bladder cancer.
Considerations
Always follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. She is experienced in treating bladder cancers and knows the best treatment plan for you. It may be helpful for you to keep an exercise diary and discuss the contents with your physician. See can give you tips and hints to further the effectiveness of your exercises.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Bladder Cancer
- MayoClinic.com: Bladder Cancer
- PubMed: Exercise Programming and Counseling Preferences In Bladder Cancer Survivors: A Population-Based Study
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America: Bladder Cancer Physical Therapy
- National Cancer Institute: Cancer of the Urinary Bladder Fact Sheet
