If you have been given a diagnosis of lung cancer, you may feel like you will never be able to engage in your favorite sporting activity again. Treatment targeting your lung cancer can cause extreme fatigue and weakness --- making physical activity challenging or impossible. Consult your oncologist or doctor before participating in intense physical activity.
Lung Cancer
There are two main types of lung cancer, the American Cancer Society explains: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell cancer accounts for around 10 to 15 percent of all lung cancers. It develops in the bronchi in the center of the chest. This type of cancer grows rapidly and can spread quickly to other organs and the lymph nodes. Non-small cell lung cancer is a more common type of cancer and generally does not show early symptoms, the ACS explains, because pre-cancerous lesions do not show up on a normal chest X-ray. Non-small cell cancers are divided into three sub-groups: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large-cell carcinoma. If you are suffering from any type of lung cancer, you may already experience certain symptoms such as shortness of breath, chronic cough, low oxygen levels and wheezing. These symptoms can make engaging in athletic activity difficult.
Disease Progression
After your diagnosis, your oncologist will likely run further tests to determine the extent of your lung cancer. Through an MRI, biopsy and further blood testing he will be able to stage the cancer. Lung cancer is staged in several different categories and combinations according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer's TNM --- tumor-nodes-metastasis --- staging system. Cancers are often staged by Roman numerals, with I being least advanced and IV the most advanced stage, the ACS explains. Your oncologist may suggest surgery to remove a tumor or part of the lung. He may also suggest either radiation therapy or chemotherapy as part of treatment. This may reduce your lung capacity significantly --- making athletics difficult to participate in.
Benefits of Athletics
Depending on your health, lung capacity and physician's approval, athletic and physical activity may be beneficial to your health and your treatment. Building up your lung capacity and increasing your cardiovascular health can help improve overall health and also help keep you strong throughout treatment. The "New York Times" website's Health Guide notes that exercise cannot improve lung function specifically in most cases, but it can strengthen limb muscles --- increasing endurance, reducing fatigue and minimizing breathlessness. Sports that are low-impact include walking, short, flat hiking trails and water aerobics. If your lung function is greater, your physician may recommend more challenging sports such as running, cycling or basketball.
Outcome
The purpose of engaging in athletics if you are physically able is to prolong life and remain healthy while your body endures treatment. Not only will engaging in athletics help keep you strong, it can also help your body work more consistently with chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In some cases, your body's immune system may be compromised during chemo or radiation therapy. Your white-blood-cell counts may drop and put you at a greater risk for infection. If your engage in athletic activity, your body will have a better chance at fighting off infection and curbing the side effects of drug therapy.
