Sunday, October 2, 2011

Exercise: Doing Its Job For Cancer Patients (Guest Writer David Haas)

Hey Everyone, David Haas a re-searcher and writer of the benefits of networks and staying physically fit for people going through Cancer.  Wanted to share a very insightful article on this blogCheck it out.


Physical fitness is not a cure-all for cancer, but it is extremely important to the health and well-being of cancer patients. Exercise can help cancer patients regain the lost energy when going through cancer treatments and even help the treatments do their job in fighting the cancer.

Modern research has examined the benefits of exercise for cancer patients, and the findings are promising. Physical exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing certain cancers; reduce the risk of cancer recurrence; improve survival rates for certain cancers; and enhance overall quality of life.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), several studies have examined the relationship between physical activity and various cancers, including breast, colorectal, endometrial, lung, and prostate cancers. The research seems to link exercise, weight, hormone levels, and cancer. While these studies did not look at pancreatic cancer, leukemia, mesothelioma, and other cancers, it is evident that exercise has benefits for all cancer patients.

Exercise Benefits For Cancer Patients

Conventional cancer treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, are proven methods of fighting cancer cells. However, these aggressive treatment methods come with many negative side effects. Physical exercise can improve the side effects during and after treatment.

Fatigue is a common cancer symptom and treatment side effect. It can start from the time of diagnosis and last long after the last cancer treatment. While many cancer patients feel too tired to exercise, physical activity can actually increase energy and reduce fatigue.

Most cancer patients also experience stress, depression, and sleep problems. Exercise releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety. By lowering the stress hormones, exercise helps patients sleep better, too.

Weight gain is another common side effect of cancer treatment, especially hormonal therapies used in prostate and breast cancer treatment. The steroids in some chemotherapy medicines also cause weight gain. Exercise, along with a healthy diet, can reduce or control weight gain.

Bone thinning is another side effect of hormone therapy, and this increases a cancer patient’s risk of osteoporosis. Walking, dancing, and other weight-bearing exercises can strengthen bones and reduce this risk.

Other benefits of exercise for cancer patients include pain reduction, improved balance and coordination, increased appetite, stronger muscles, and better digestion. Of course, it is important to seek medical advice before starting an exercise program. Whether they are in mesothelioma treatment, recovering from a mastectomy, or starting chemotherapy, cancer patients should consult with their doctor about the best kind of exercise for them.



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