A diagnosis of bladder cancer --- or any other form of cancer, for that matter --- doesn't necessarily need to affect your level of physical activity. In fact, most medical professionals will tell you to continue exercising before, during and after treatment for this disease. Inactivity can lead to muscle weakness, reduced range of motion and even depression, so you shouldn't wait to start an exercise program.
Activity
The average adult should get at least 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity or 20 minutes of vigorously intense physical activity five or more days a week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This doesn't change upon diagnosis of bladder cancer. You should still try to get this amount of physical activity each week.
Exercise
Though the effects of cancer and its treatment vary from person, you should be able to take part in any activity you enjoy, barring any pain or discomfort. Choose from the likes of jogging, biking, swimming, walking, hiking, dancing, cross-country skiing or playing a competitive sport. Tennis, racquetball, basketball, volleyball, golf or soccer can all increase your heart rate and help to improve your quality of life.
Effects
The American Cancer Society explains that regular exercise can go a long way to keeping your muscles from wasting, improving your balance, controlling your weight, reducing your risk of depression and maintaining your mobility. It's also known to lessen the nausea associated with treatment and symptoms of the disease, especially when it comes to fatigue.
Warning
With bladder cancer, the pain is usually isolated to the abdominal region and the back. If a certain physical activity causes you discomfort in these or any other area of the body, stop and rest. The next time you decide to exercise, opt for an alternate pursuit that doesn't lead to discomfort. As with any medical condition, talk to your doctor before increasing your level of physical activity. Medical professionals can help you establish an exercise program that's right for you.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Bladder Cancer; April 2010
- National Cancer Institute: What You Need to Know About Bladder Cancer
- National Cancer Institute: Physical Activity and Cancer
- American Cancer Society: Physical Activity and the Cancer Patient
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America: Bladder Cancer Treatment -- Physical Therapy
- Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention; Associations between Exercise and Quality of Life in Bladder Cancer Survivors: A Population-Based Study, Kristina Karvinen, et al.; May 2007
