Exercises For Cancer Patients: Before, During, And After Treatment

Exercise for decades has been known to help with weight loss or weight gain. But what is hard to ignore is that regular exercising prevents the risk of various health problems and improves the overall quality of life. Exercising prevents the risk factors of developing multiple health problems from depression to obesity to heart problems to cancer. Along with exercising, a healthy diet is essential to stay fit and maintain the overall quality of life.

Exercise And Cancer

Research and studies have shown an association between obesity and lack of physical activity as potential cancer risk factors. It is found that people with obesity are often prone to developing various body conditions such as heart problems, stroke, diabetes, gallbladder diseases, and even cancers. Research has shown that regular exercising can reduce the risk of developing various cancers such as:

• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Lung cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Stomach cancer

Advantages Of Exercise For Cancer Patients

Exercising before, during, and after cancer has various benefits in cancer treatment and overall patient health. Some benefits of exercise in cancer are:

• Lessens anxiety and depression
• Aids in better functioning of the brain and body
• Improves the immune system function
• Prevents obesity
• Aids in better sleep
• Helps in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
• Improves the overall health
• Improves appetite
• Decrease side effects during cancer treatment
• Reduces the risk of reoccurrence of cancer
• Helps improve fatigue

Exercise Before Cancer Treatment

Being diagnosed with cancer can cause immense stress, anxiety, fear, and depression. Exercising before beginning the cancer treatment can be beneficial in managing mental health better. Regular physical activity will help with lack of sleep and will also aid in preparing the body for cancer treatment. Starting with regular exercises before cancer treatment will help reduce the treatment side effects, improve recovery, and help handle the treatment well.

Research has also shown that exercising can help overcome complications during surgery. Regular exercise before beginning the cancer treatment will also help maintain physical activity during and after cancer treatment since it is challenging to stay active during and after treatment.

Exercise During Cancer Treatment 

Though exercising while being treated for cancer is beneficial, it must not be done without consulting your doctor. Being physically active before and during the treatment differs as the body’s fitness and ability to handle exercises changes after starting the treatment. It is essential to consult your doctor regarding the incorporation of physical activity during treatment. There are certain factors based on which your healthcare provider will recommend you a rehabilitation program or a specially curated exercise program. They are based on the type of cancer, treatment plan, fitness level, the side effects of treatment and overall health

Exercise After Cancer Treatment (For Cancer Survivors)

The main aim of a cancer survivor’s life is to prevent its recurrence. Physical activity can reduce the chances of cancer recurrence. The body needs time to recover from cancer treatment. Being patient and giving yourself time to heal is essential before starting intense physical exercise.

You can begin with low to moderate intensity exercises, walking, or moving into your daily routine. Along with basic exercises, food rich in nutrition can be added to help you achieve overall fitness and make you feel better.

Exercise Plan For Cancer Patients:

Certain exercises for cancer patients and survivors can be practiced regularly. However, it is essential to take it slow and not strain the body too much. Exercises that can be done by cancer patients and survivors are:

• Yoga
• Working out with low-intensity exercises for 10 minutes a day
• Stretching and balancing exercises
• Aerobics (walking, swimming, jogging)
• Resistance training

Consulting your doctor can help you formulate a better workout and diet plan.
 

Daily Exercise Is One Of The Keys To Excellent Health. 

Exercise and diet go hand in hand. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to achieve physical and mental well-being. Your daily workout routine can be as simple as a daily walk or jog. Diet modification can be as simple as avoiding excessive sugar, but these changes are effective and necessary for being healthy in the long run. The essential step to being healthy is to start somewhere because, “If you want to get anywhere, you have to start somewhere.” To stay fit and keep diseases at bay, start slow, believe in yourself, and set smaller and achievable goals.

The Body Achieves What The Mind Believes