Since the 1950's, chemotherapy has slowed the growth or destroyed cancerous tumors. The American Cancer Society reported in April 2010 that there are now more than 100 chemo drugs available to help people fight cancer. While some people sail through their chemo treatments and maintain the same exercise plan they had before becoming sick, others react to the drugs in less positive ways.
Doctors recommend physical activity for both types of patients. Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program and use caution in addition to using your muscles. You'll find that regular physical activity is good for your body and your soul.
Precautions
Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program -- certain chemo drugs have specific side effects that affect activity. According to the American Cancer Society, the drug bleomycin can affect your lungs, and drugs such as doxorubicin or epirubicin can affect your heart. Certain chemo drugs may also weaken your bones. Start any exercise program slowly. Stop exercising immediately if you feel bad in any way, including dizziness, numbness, swelling or pain.
Aerobic Exercise
The American Cancer Society urges people going through chemo "to be as physically active as possible." Aerobic exercises, activities that work your heart and lungs, include brisk walking, bicycling on a stationary bike or elliptical machine and using other gym machines, such as stair climbers or arc trainers. Household activities will only count as physical exercise if you do them vigorously. Don't saunter when walking the dog and put some muscle into raking the leaves.
Strength Training
The American College of Sports Medicine says that strength training is "essential" for chemo patients to counteract the possible bone loss and muscle deterioration that may occur after chemo. Use either free weights or resistance machines at least two times a week for the most improvements in muscle strength and tone. Begin slowly, with light weights and one set of eight to12 repetitions. Work up to three sets.
Benefits of Exercise
According to an October 2009 report in the Science Daily, exercise programs can decrease your level of fatigue, a common side effect of chemo treatments. Participants took part in both high and low levels of exercise intensity as well as resistance training, relaxation activities and massage. A 1997 study published in Cancer, also found that chemo patients reduce both pain and fatigue by walking on treadmills and using strength training.
Breastcancer.org reported in 2007 that women undergoing chemo for breast cancer who did aerobic and resistance exercise had increased self esteem and better overall fitness than those who didn't exercise. The women also completed their full chemo course at higher rates than women who didn't exercise.
References
- American Cancer Society: Chemo - What It Is, How It Helps
- American Cancer Society: Physical Activity and the Cancer Patient
- American College of Sports Medicine: Exercise Crucial in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
- American Council on Exercise: Strength Training 101
- Science Daily: Exercise Reduces Fatigue in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
- American Council on Exercise: Exercise Helps Battle Effects of Cancer Treatments
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