Exericse Can Help with Cancer Treatment Recovery

Exercise can improve the physical and emotional well-being of cancer patients and their caregivers. Cancer and its treatments are hard on the body, causing such problems as weight gain or loss, fatigue, loss of stamina, decreased strength and mobility, anxiety, and depression. Low to moderate intensity exercise plans are safe and effective, particularly for those who are not physically fit. Always talk to your doctor before starting any exercise plan.

How is it Done?

There are many forms and levels of exercise. Exercises such as walking, bicycling and swimming that involve large muscle groups are especially helpful to your body because they build aerobic capacity. The recommended amount of exercise is 3-5 times per week for at least 20-30 minutes at a moderate intensity.

To help with motivation, find a friend or a neighbor who will join you. Another way to get started and stay motivated is to pick an activity you enjoy or have always wanted to try. You can also join a gym or hire a personal trainer. Many community exercise facilities have special programs for cancer patients.

Does it Work?

Exercise is one of the most effective things you can do for promoting and maintaining health. It improves strength and balance, makes bones stronger, and energizes body and mind. Regular exercise creates new capillaries in your heart, muscles, and brain, improving blood flow. It may also lighten mild depression and stimulate your immune system. Studies with cancer patients confirm that exercise helps to reduce fatigue, pain, and side effects; promote recovery; and improve quality of sleep and rest.

Is it Safe?

For cancer patients, low to moderate exercise is generally safe. It is important to adjust the exercise plan based on current or chronic treatment effects. The patient should avoid exercise if they have a fever, are dehydrated, or have abnormal electrolyte levels. If the patient is getting chemotherapy, talk to their doctor about the timing of workouts. If they are anemic it may be better to rest until their red cell count returns to normal.

Anyone should stop if you feel chest pain, unusual or alarming shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, or joint or limb pain. Cancer patients especially should use caution if they are prone to bruising as a result of thrombocytopenia (reduction in the production in the blood cells in the bone marrow) or anticoagulation therapy (reduction in the ability of the blood to clot) or fractures as a result of bone metastases.

Practitioner Qualifications

Personal trainers may have a college degree in fitness or exercise physiology and usually are certified by the National Federation of Professional Trainers or other similar certifying organizations. Ask if the personal trainer is insured so that if you are injured while working with them, your medical costs would be covered.

Cost in Time and Money

Your exercise program can be as inexpensive as walking in your neighborhood 3 to 5 times a week for 20 to 30 minutes or as expensive as working out daily with a personal trainer on specialized equipment at a gym. Personal trainers can cost up to $60 per hour. Gym and pool membership fees vary widely. For cancer patients and others with chronic illness, some insurance plans will cover the cost of exercise programs when they are prescribed by a doctor.