Exercise Guidelines For Cancer Patients

Exercise Can Be An Important Part Of Cancer Treatment

How Exercise Can Promote Cancer Patients’ Recovery

In a first, a national cancer organization has issued approved guidelines suggesting exercise as part of cancer treatment, for all cancer patients. Its recommendations are:

• Exercise should be inserted as part of regular practice in cancer care and observed as an adjunct therapy that helps prevent the unfavorable effects of cancer and its treatment.

• All members of the multi-disciplinary cancer team should encourage physical activity and support their patients to adhere to exercise guidelines.

• Best practice cancer care should include referral to an accredited exercise physiologist and/or physical therapist with experience in cancer care.

If cancer patients have been newly diagnosed with the disease or are undergoing treatment, it's essential that they take proper care of themselves. Researches show that one of the most reliable ways to do this is to stay physically active.

Dr. Shyamali Singhal, an oncologist, says that this doesn't, of course, mean patients should run a marathon and over exhaust themselves. But it's wise to add some form of daily activity to daily life- even during cancer therapy. Average aerobic exercise, such as cycling on a stationary bicycle or taking a daily walk, paired with the use of light weights for strength training, can improve physical well-being and drive to recovery.

The Significance Of Daily Exercise

Too much inactivity can lead to loss of body function, muscle weakness, and decreased range of motion. So today, many cancer care teams are pushing their patients to be as physically active as possible during cancer treatment. Many people are hearing about the benefits of being physically active after treatment, too.

Daily exercise is a significant part of being as healthy as one can be. More and more studies are proving that training can diminish the risk of breast cancer recurrence if you've been diagnosed, as well as the risk of developing breast cancer if it was never been diagnosed before. A number of groups, including the American Cancer Society and the American College of Sports Medicine, have issued workout guidance for people living with and beyond cancer. However, most people who have been diagnosed with cancer don’t do routine exercise. If a cancer patient is having treatment or has lately ended it, it's good to begin exercising if they feel like it. How much a patient does is depending on how fit they are usually. If they've never done much exercise, patients may have to build up slowly. If patients do too much one day, they could feel quite exhausted and hurting the next day. Patients should not feel that they always have to do more than yesterday. Some days they will have more energy than other days. Dr. Singhal advises patients to start with short periods of moderate activity, and then gradually build up until they reach their set target.

Improving The Quality Of Life

Cancer patients can break up stretches of rest with activities around the house. For example, mowing the lawn or cleaning. Patients can also exchange taking a bus to work with walking or get off at a bus stop a few stops before home. Patients can find activities that are pleasant as they are more prone to stick to it. But patients should try not to let past lack of exercise put them off starting entirely. Moderate walking or swimming is excellent for just about everyone. Patients can still build up gradually.

Exercise individually as further therapy for patients undergoing cancer treatment has been well-studied and linked with many advantages. In one analysis of 61 clinical trials of women with all stages of breast cancer, those who experienced an exercise program during treatment had greatly enhanced their quality of life, fitness, energy, and strength, as well as reduced their levels of anxiety, depression when compared with the usual care groups. In another major analysis of 28 trials including over 1,000 members with advanced cancers, which included leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, lung, breast, GI, and prostate, an exercise program during treatment was correlated with significantly increased physical function, heightened energy levels, weight/BMI, psychosocial function, sleep quality, and overall quality of life.

The Earlier A Patient Starts Exercising, The Better

The earlier cancer patients start exercising, the better they'll feel, the fewer medications they are likely to take, and the lower the risk will be for complications, says  Dr. Singhal. She suggests completing an exercise routine prior to treatment - especially if a patient has been inactive before.

Dr. Singhal recommends asking the doctor for a referral to a physical therapist who works with cancer patients and can create an individualized exercise program. For example, exercises can be designated to increase range of motion and check lymphedema, a chronic arm swelling that affects some breast cancer patients after lymph node removal.

In the past, people being treated for chronic illness were often told by their doctors to rest and decrease their physical activity. This is great advice if mobility causes pain, rapid heart rate, or shortness of breath. But a more current investigation has shown that exercise is not only safe and feasible during cancer treatment, but it can promote how well cancer patients function physically and their quality of life.

Some Patients May Require Professional Guidance In Exercise

If patients have exercised before treatment, they might want to exercise less than typical or at a more moderate enthusiasm during treatment. The goal is to stay as active and fit as possible. People who were very inactive before cancer treatment may want to begin with quick, low-intensity activity, such as short slow walks. For senior citizens, those with cancer that has metastasized to the bones, or that have problems like arthritis or peripheral neuropathy, safety and stability are essential to decrease the risk of falls and injuries. They may require a caregiver or health professional with them through training.

Some people can carefully start or keep their own exercise program, but many will have better outcomes with the aid of an exercise specialist, physical therapist, or exercise physiologist. Patients should make sure to get their doctor’s approval and ensure that the person working with them knows about the cancer diagnosis and any limitations that may come with it. These specifically qualified professionals can help patients find the type of exercise that’s right and reliable for them. They can also help cancer patients understand how frequently and how long they should workout.