Exercise and Conditioning Improves Cancer Survival Chances
Cancer has a way of taxing the body and mind beyond capacity. The body is compromised, strength evaporates, muscles deteriorate and the mind has difficulty accepting the changes that have occurred.
A strong, fit body has built in reserves of energy that help a patient through the various stages of treatment and recovery. This reserve of strength helps one’s body recover from the draining effects of chemotherapy and radiation, which results in significant debilitating fatigue.
Many hospitals PT programs and some fitness centers realize that keeping strength at the best possible levels has some value in reducing the effects of chemotherapy, as well as the reducing the swelling of lymphedema, the loss of muscle tone, the effects of breast cancer, and even rare diseases like mesothelioma. Modern oncologists no longer subscribe to the old methods of dealing with cancer, which essentially kept patients bed-ridden, without any exercise program. They now recommend that cancer patients undergoing treatment, or those in recovery, get involved in some sort of exercise programs like walking and stretching.
Doctors agree that a patient should determine his/her level of activity, and not over do. Quite often, the name and example of Lance Armstrong the world champion cyclist is brought up as an example of the benefits of exercise. Mr. Armstrong made a remarkable recovery from testicular cancer after imposing an extremely strenuous exercise program. He did race again, but we must remember that, as a dedicated athlete, exercise had been a part of his life for many years.
Researchers noticed that those people who watched their diets and exercised on a regular basis were less likely to develop cancer. The National Cancer Institute, in a 2006 study noted that patients who engaged in moderate exercise like walking and resistance exercise with rubber exercise bands had less fatigue and better aerobic capacity than those who did not. Dana-Farber Institute reported 50% lower mortality rates for colon cancer victims who regularly exercised after their cancer was diagnosed. Similar results are expected for mesothelioma treatment patients.
Fatigue in cancer patients, though not a disease in itself, causes some loss of function, and reduces physical activity. The resulting improvement in strength does not bring the patients up to normal levels, but there is measurable improvement in the daily lives of many.
The conclusions are not complete, but more and more oncologists have bought into prescribing exercise and core strengthening techniques. People, whom have always exercised and are aware of their bodies, will usually stay on the path. Others who have just recently been prescribed a program will be urged to continue. Everyone’s body should tell him or her what amount of exercise is right for them.
By: David Haas
A strong, fit body has built in reserves of energy that help a patient through the various stages of treatment and recovery. This reserve of strength helps one’s body recover from the draining effects of chemotherapy and radiation, which results in significant debilitating fatigue.
Many hospitals PT programs and some fitness centers realize that keeping strength at the best possible levels has some value in reducing the effects of chemotherapy, as well as the reducing the swelling of lymphedema, the loss of muscle tone, the effects of breast cancer, and even rare diseases like mesothelioma. Modern oncologists no longer subscribe to the old methods of dealing with cancer, which essentially kept patients bed-ridden, without any exercise program. They now recommend that cancer patients undergoing treatment, or those in recovery, get involved in some sort of exercise programs like walking and stretching.
Doctors agree that a patient should determine his/her level of activity, and not over do. Quite often, the name and example of Lance Armstrong the world champion cyclist is brought up as an example of the benefits of exercise. Mr. Armstrong made a remarkable recovery from testicular cancer after imposing an extremely strenuous exercise program. He did race again, but we must remember that, as a dedicated athlete, exercise had been a part of his life for many years.
Researchers noticed that those people who watched their diets and exercised on a regular basis were less likely to develop cancer. The National Cancer Institute, in a 2006 study noted that patients who engaged in moderate exercise like walking and resistance exercise with rubber exercise bands had less fatigue and better aerobic capacity than those who did not. Dana-Farber Institute reported 50% lower mortality rates for colon cancer victims who regularly exercised after their cancer was diagnosed. Similar results are expected for mesothelioma treatment patients.
Fatigue in cancer patients, though not a disease in itself, causes some loss of function, and reduces physical activity. The resulting improvement in strength does not bring the patients up to normal levels, but there is measurable improvement in the daily lives of many.
The conclusions are not complete, but more and more oncologists have bought into prescribing exercise and core strengthening techniques. People, whom have always exercised and are aware of their bodies, will usually stay on the path. Others who have just recently been prescribed a program will be urged to continue. Everyone’s body should tell him or her what amount of exercise is right for them.
By: David Haas
I have not gone back to the gym yet. Part of it is my blood the other part is just time management. I know I need to find the time to go. I do feel that keeping up with Maddie is exercise. I completely agree with the writer David. I feel so much better when I am active I feel "normal" and forget that I have cancer. Some days it is hard to find the motivation to get moving and would love to just sit, however once I get going I do feel so much better!! I plan to start walking up at the walkway next week. I think aunt Carol will join us. I will also loom into my free three months at the gym. No more excuses, I must loose this extra weight and be fit!!
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