While a cancer diagnosis is often devastating, regular exercise can help reduce stress and minimize the effects of the disease, as well as potentially increase your chance of survival. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults with cancer exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Moderate exercise that increases your heart rate includes walking, yoga or dancing, while more vigorous forms of activity are jogging, aerobics or jumping rope. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise plan to ensure your well-being.
Physical Improvement
Some people with cancer, especially forms of the disease that affect your head, neck or intestines, suffer significant body deterioration and persistent pain and discomfort. Decreased muscle mass can make performing everyday activities like rising from an automobile seat difficult or impossible. Even moderate exercise -- including activity that takes place while you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation -- can help rebuild lean muscle, increase your heart strength and eventually make normal movements and independent living possible. The National Cancer Institute says that patients in a study who participated in daily exercise that included brisk walking experienced less fatigue than patients who did not exercise, as well as stronger aerobic capacity and enhanced strength.
Mental Well-Being
Exercise releases natural painkillers in your body called endorphins that aid in lowering your likelihood for depression, a condition common in those with cancer. Exercise also helps you sleep better and contributes to improved self-esteem -- a benefit to those with cancer who undergo surgery or treatments like chemotherapy that can alter physical appearance and lead to feelings of being unattractive.
Weight Loss
Treatment for breast cancer often leads to significant weight gain. Regular exercise combined with a healthy diet aids your ability to lose fat and control your body weight so that you can eventually regain a healthy body mass index -- a number determined from a calculation of your height and weight that helps your doctor determine your risk for weight-related health conditions.
Long-term Survival
Those with cancer face a greater risk for heart problems and broken bones, along with other health challenges that can threaten your overall well-being. The threats become more significant when you practice a sedentary lifestyle. Some studies suggest that adding exercise into your weekly list of activities may improve your chance of survival from cancer, although more research is needed to prove any long-term benefits. The New York Times reports that colon cancer patients in a study who exercised had a 50 percent lower rate of mortality than patients who were sedentary.
Considerations
While exercise on most days of the week helps those with cancer cope with common side effects, regular activity combined with a healthy diet may also lower your risk for some forms of the disease, including breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer. Ask your doctor for a referral to a nutritionist who can make recommendations for a healthy meal plan based on your health conditions.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Exercise Important for Cancer Survivors
- National Cancer Institute: Guidelines Urge Exercise for Cancer Patients, Survivors
- MayoClinic.com: Exercising After Cancer Diagnosis
- MayoClinic.com: Cancer Prevention: 7 Tips to Reduce Your Risk
- American Cancer Society: Fitting in Fitness
- New York Times: Said the Doctor to the Cancer Patient: Hit the Gym
