Table of Contents
Does Exercise prevent Cancer and its Role in Cancer Recovery?
By Raveena M Prakash
Recovering from any type of cancer is a slow and steady journey that requires emotional, physical, and mental strength along with the support of effective cancer treatments. Cancer recovery is not only about taking any medications but also about regaining a normal life. There are many effective treatments, such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, that might effectively fight against cancer disease; meanwhile, exercise plays an important role in reclaiming a normal life by building both emotional and physical strength, reducing weakness, and enhancing the overall quality of life. If you also ask questions like, does exercise prevent cancer? Then read further!
In this article, we’ll discover more about the role of exercise in cancer recovery, what type of exercise is good for cancer patients, and much more!
Why exercise is important for cancer recovery
Several studies suggest that cancer survivors who engage in regular physical activity are at low risk of recurrence of cancer. These studies claim that practicing regular exercise holds the power to improve the recovery outcomes of patients. Exercise for cancer patients is suggested by many oncologists because these habits help to rebuild physical strength along with improving the emotional and physical well-being of the patient and further enhance the quality of life.
Physical benefits of exercise for cancer survivors
There are many physical benefits of exercise for both cancer patients and its survivors. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy might significantly reduce the physical strength and energy of many patients. Regular exercise also helps to improve muscle strength, improve cardiovascular function, and increase overall endurance of both patients and survivors.
Here are some physical benefits of exercise for cancer recovery
- Improves the immune system: Practicing exercise and physical activity is known to stimulate the immune system by producing more immune cells in the body. Exercise plays a big role in resisting the body against several infections and potentially prevents recurrence of cancer in survivors.
- Reducing weakness and fatigue: Experiencing weakness and chronic fatigue are main side effects of several cancer treatments. There are several studies that suggest that following moderate physical activities helps to reduce weakness and fatigue in patients. It also increases the energy levels and improves better sleep quality in patients.
Types of safe exercises for cancer recovery
There are some safe physical activities and exercises suggested by oncologists for cancer patients who are undergoing cancer treatment or currently recovering from any type of cancer.
- Cardiovascular exercise (aerobic exercise)
Cardiovascular exercise is also known as aerobic exercise; these are low-impact physical activities. Exercises such as regular walking, swimming, and cycling are known for improving the cardiovascular health of cancer patients and survivors. Regularly practicing any of these activities helps to boost energy levels of the body without hampering the body.
- Strength training
If you are a cancer survivor or a cancer patient undergoing any specific treatments, then consult your doctor before practicing these exercises. These exercises include using light weights, which helps to build muscle strength and bone density. Regularly practicing these types of exercises helps to work against muscle loss in people due to physical inactivity.
- Yoga and meditation:
Practicing yoga and meditation improves overall mood, enhances body flexibility and balance, and clears and calms the mind of the survivors. These practices also help to control and manage the emotional distress of many cancer patients who are going through different treatments.
Precautions and guidelines for exercising after cancer treatments
Always consult with your oncologist before starting any major physical activity or exercise. It is necessary to seek guidance from your doctor to ensure that any of your exercise and physical activities are safe and helpful for your cancer healing journey.
Here are few things to know before you start the exercise:
- Design your exercise plan according to the health needs: Talk to your fitness team about your cancer treatment or survivor journey. Adjust your exercise and physical activities based on your energy levels and individual physical conditions.
- Observe and monitor your body’s response: Try to be cautious and vigilant towards the body's responses. Understand the body's response, such as any signs of dizziness, pain, shortness of breath, or overexertion, and if needed, discontinue the physical activity and modify it accordingly to reduce the risk of any complications.
- Always carry your essential medicines and water: Take your medications, water, and any essentials with you. Avoid resting and relaxing, and do not overload your body with many physical activities. Start slowly and keep consistency.
Consult Today
Recovering from cancer is not an easy task, but practicing exercise and moderate physical activities would empower your recovery journey. Exercise holds many benefits, especially for the person recovering from deadly diseases like cancer. Including safe and effective physical activities helps to reduce and prevent the risk of cancer and recurrence of cancer in many people. Practicing exercise not only prevents the risk of cancer, it also enhances the overall well-being of a person. This also helps to boost physical strength, elevate the overall mood, and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
At Oncare, we understand the value of effective and safe treatments and proper guidance before any cancer treatments and even physical activities for patients and survivors. We offer more personalized guidance to each cancer patient and their family before and after their treatments.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer or are having symptoms of cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialists today! Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Exercise and physical activity might reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in many patients and survivors. Several studies have shown that it might increase the mood, reduce anxiety, improve sleep patterns, boost their energy, and help to reduce the symptoms after the post-cancer treatments.
Cancer patients can slowly start physical activities, starting from small types of yoga and meditation. If you are a cancer patient undergoing any cancer treatments, consult your doctor before you start any physical activities.
Here are some of the exercises you can do:
- Yoga
- Regular slow walking
- Body stretching
- Cycling
After consulting the doctors, any cancer patients and survivors start their exercise. Some studies suggest 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise and 2 to 3 days of body-strengthening exercises per week.