You are probably aware of the positives of exercise in producing weight loss, lean muscle mass and cardiovascular health. In addition, exercise is credited with many other potential health benefits, including the prevention of various diseases. Although exercise is not considered a cure for cancer, the American Cancer Society notes that an active lifestyle and, in particular, a healthy weight can be very helpful in reducing your risk of cancer. You should also eat a healthy, balanced diet. Talk to your doctor about the best diet and exercise plan for your health needs.
Prevent and Treat Cancer with Exercise
Step 1
Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week. The American Cancer Society suggests adults do moderate to vigorous exercise at least five days a week; between 45 and 60 minutes of exercise is considered ideal. Children and teenagers are advised to do moderate to vigorous exercise at least an hour a day, five or more days per week.
Step 2
Do yoga. The practice of yoga, particularly through special classes tailored to cancer patients, may decrease stress and improve a sense of well-being in breast cancer patients.
BreastCancer.org cites a study conducted at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York in which women who attended a 12-week Hatha-yoga-based class reported greater well-being and less stress than those in a control group. Yoga is not a medical treatment for cancer, and further studies are needed to confirm these findings. BreastCancer.org emphasizes that patients should choose yoga classes meant specifically for cancer patients.
Step 3
Get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. The American College of Sports Medicine reports that despite previous recommendations that cancer patients limit activity in favor of rest, revised guidelines suggest that exercise is actually beneficial. The new recommendations, which also apply to cancer patients who are undergoing treatment, are that cancer patients engage in moderate cardiovascular exercise per week to the extent they are able. This is the general recommendation for adults. You should talk to your doctor before beginning a workout plan.
Step 4
Adapt your exercise routine based on your physical condition and abilities. For some cancer patients, certain types of exercise may be too difficult or cause too much strain, such as serious weight training for those whose bones have become weakened or brittle. Modify your workout so that it emphasizes your physical strengths, rather than your weaknesses. Exercise is not a medical treatment for cancer.
Tips and Warnings
- Start your exercise plan gradually. MayoClinic.com says if you have been inactive for some time, you may need to start slowly and gradually increasing activity until you can exercise for 30 minutes a day.
References
- American Cancer Society: ACS Guidelines On Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer PRevention
- American Association for Cancer Research: Calorie Restriction and Exercise Show Benefits In Preventing BReast Cancer in Post-Menopausal Women
- MayoClinic.com: Colon Cancer: Prevention
- Breast Cancer.org: Yoga Can Give Women with Breast Cancer A Boost
- American College of Sports Medicine: New Guidelines Strongly Recommend Exercise for Cancer Patients, Survivors
