The following article is excerpted from the Better Health Channel - Healthier Living Online and is offered here, in the hope readers may become better informed. I would encourage all our readers to visit the author's website.
Cancer and cancer treatments can make a person feel too tired to exercise. However, studies show that regular, moderate physical activity can help a person who has cancer to cope with the disease and the side effects of treatment. Your doctor can help you devise an appropriate exercise program. Do not exercise without your doctor’s knowledge and support because inappropriate exercise may be harmful.
Causes of fatigue
Cancer and cancer treatments such as chemotherapy can cause persistent fatigue (tiredness). Some of the reasons include:
The benefits of exercise
Physical activity can boost the energy levels of a person who has cancer. Moderate regular exercise can:
The cancer-fighting benefits of exercise
Some studies show that regular exercise can:
Other health benefits
For the person who has cancer, regular exercise can:
Appropriate forms of exercise
It is important to be guided by your doctor. The exercise program you choose in consultation with your doctor depends on your lifestyle, treatment program (including the type of surgery you may have had) and your doctor’s opinion on which forms of exercise are safe or best for you. Almost any type of exercise may be appropriate, including:
General exercise guidelines
Be guided by your doctor, but general suggestions include:
Where to get help
Cancer and cancer treatments can make a person feel too tired to exercise. However, studies show that regular, moderate physical activity can help a person who has cancer to cope with the disease and the side effects of treatment. Your doctor can help you devise an appropriate exercise program. Do not exercise without your doctor’s knowledge and support because inappropriate exercise may be harmful.
Causes of fatigue
Cancer and cancer treatments such as chemotherapy can cause persistent fatigue (tiredness). Some of the reasons include:
* All types of cancer interfere with the body’s normal functioning. For example, cancer may disrupt the hormone balance.
* Cancers that involve the bone marrow can impair the body’s ability to make red blood cells. This results in anaemia, which is a known cause of fatigue.
* Some treatments may destroy non-cancerous cells such as red blood cells.
The benefits of exercise
Physical activity can boost the energy levels of a person who has cancer. Moderate regular exercise can:
* Prompt the body to make more red blood cells, which increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood
* Strengthen the cardiovascular system and improve blood supply to every cell of the body
* Increase muscle tone and strength
* Improve stamina, which makes daily activities less tiring to perform
* Reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
* Increase appetite
* Encourage deeper and more refreshing sleep
* Reduce the pain of cancer – exercise stimulates the brain to release endorphins, which are opiate-like pain-killing chemicals
* Stabilise mood – depression and anxiety are known to cause fatigue
* Reduce the need for drugs used in the treatment of depression and anxiety – some of these drugs may cause fatigue.
The cancer-fighting benefits of exercise
Some studies show that regular exercise can:
* Encourage the body to produce more white blood cells
* Boost functioning of the immune system
* Reduce the time spent in hospital in some cases
* Increase survival rates in some cases.
Other health benefits
For the person who has cancer, regular exercise can:
* Increase the amount of platelets and reduce the risk of bleeding
* Prevent or help to treat constipation
* Help to manage other medical conditions such as shortness of breath or heart problems
* Reduce the risk of infection such as upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs)
* Allow the person to feel more in control
* Boost self-confidence
* Give the person enough energy to participate more fully in daily activities
* Improve quality of life
Appropriate forms of exercise
It is important to be guided by your doctor. The exercise program you choose in consultation with your doctor depends on your lifestyle, treatment program (including the type of surgery you may have had) and your doctor’s opinion on which forms of exercise are safe or best for you. Almost any type of exercise may be appropriate, including:
* Walking, jogging, running
* Dancing
* Tai Chi
* Cycling
* Weight training
* Team sports
* Gardening
* Yoga
* Swimming
General exercise guidelines
Be guided by your doctor, but general suggestions include:
* If you were physically active before your diagnosis and treatment, continue the same program. You may need to reduce the intensity, duration and frequency of the exercise.
* Aim for five to 20 minutes of exercise per session.
* Aim for moderate intensity. Don’t push your heart rate too high.
* Regularity is the key. Short periods of physical activity on most days of the week are far more beneficial than the occasional gruelling work-out.
* Do not force yourself to exercise when you feel exhausted. Instead, take a short stroll around the garden or do some stretches.
* Avoid exercise for the first 24 hours after chemotherapy.
* Do not exercise if you are ill: for example, if you have a fever. Consult with your doctor.
* Avoid high-impact activities (such as running or any sport that involves jumping) if you have bone cancer.
* Some cancer medications may affect your balance. Be advised by your doctor.
* If you are bedridden, perform regular stretches to help keep up your stamina. Even small amounts of exercise can be beneficial.
* Your doctor may recommend that you avoid exercise altogether. This is because exercise may be harmful in some cases. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice.
Where to get help
* Your doctor
* Oncologist
* Hospital physiotherapist
* Hospital occupational therapist
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