Written by: David Haas
A common tool of preventive medicine has been realized to be an important
complimentary therapy for cancer. Exercise has been studied extensively for its
power to combat the risk of developing many forms of cancer, and it is now gaining even more attention for the benefits conferred on cancer patients and survivors. As might be expected, from what is known about exercise and prevention, physical activity reduces the risk of cancer recurrence after successful treatment. It also works to improve the survival rate of those undergoing treatment.
complimentary therapy for cancer. Exercise has been studied extensively for its
power to combat the risk of developing many forms of cancer, and it is now gaining even more attention for the benefits conferred on cancer patients and survivors. As might be expected, from what is known about exercise and prevention, physical activity reduces the risk of cancer recurrence after successful treatment. It also works to improve the survival rate of those undergoing treatment.
That is enough evidence for many cancer patients to engage in regular fitness programs, but there are more benefits for the skeptical. Exercise has been shown to combat the symptoms experienced by most patients, which helps to improve the quality of life. Emotional state, energy levels, digestion and sleep can all suffer from treatments, such as treatment and chemotherapy, and loss of mobility and independence is often seen in post-operative patients, The many studies on the topic of exercise during and after treatment have shown the efficacy of fitness programs in addressing all these issues.
Which Type of Fitness Program is Best?
Any level of physical activity is better than none, according to the leading cancer
research organizations. Though they are currently recommending 150 minutes of
aerobics every week, some will need longer to reach this level, while others may
have already surpassed it. More is better in this case but only up to the individual's fitness level. Over-exertion can lead to injuries and ultimately result in a loss of benefits.
During treatment, even those with a history of fitness will want to scale back efforts somewhat. Starting with low intensity exercises and building up is a safe way to approach this. Those with no history of fitness, as well as those with cancers affecting the musculoskeletal system or mesothelioma, may never be able to safely go beyond low-intensity exercise, but they will still garner benefits from physical activity.
research organizations. Though they are currently recommending 150 minutes of
aerobics every week, some will need longer to reach this level, while others may
have already surpassed it. More is better in this case but only up to the individual's fitness level. Over-exertion can lead to injuries and ultimately result in a loss of benefits.
During treatment, even those with a history of fitness will want to scale back efforts somewhat. Starting with low intensity exercises and building up is a safe way to approach this. Those with no history of fitness, as well as those with cancers affecting the musculoskeletal system or mesothelioma, may never be able to safely go beyond low-intensity exercise, but they will still garner benefits from physical activity.
Are There Specific Exercises to Avoid?
The ideal situation is to have a doctor and fitness expert working together in
treatment. This is still uncommon, but it is important to approach the doctor about
planned exercises. After surgery, there are specific exercises to use to increase
mobility. Some types of exercise, such as swimming in chlorinated pools, may not
work well with radiation therapy or other treatments.
The best advice is to choose a form of exercise that is enjoyable. Regular
participation is necessary, and extended breaks will result in a loss of benefits.
Studies have used managed programs with normal gym equipment, self-managed
walking programs, resistance training programs, and even endurance running all to good effect. Physical activity confers benefits at every level.
treatment. This is still uncommon, but it is important to approach the doctor about
planned exercises. After surgery, there are specific exercises to use to increase
mobility. Some types of exercise, such as swimming in chlorinated pools, may not
work well with radiation therapy or other treatments.
The best advice is to choose a form of exercise that is enjoyable. Regular
participation is necessary, and extended breaks will result in a loss of benefits.
Studies have used managed programs with normal gym equipment, self-managed
walking programs, resistance training programs, and even endurance running all to good effect. Physical activity confers benefits at every level.
Biography
Joining the organization in 2011, David Haas is a cancer support group and awareness program advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. In addition to researching the many valuable programs available to our site’s visitors, David often blogs about programs and campaigns underway at the Mesothelioma CancerAlliance, as well as creative fitness ideas for those dealing with cancer, while creating relationships with similar organizations.
Please contact David Haas at davdhaas@gmail.com for further questions.
Please contact David Haas at davdhaas@gmail.com for further questions.
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