How does exercise benefit people with cancer?
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Brian Guidry answered:There are many positive benefits to exercise for people with cancer.
- Improved aerobic and muscular fitness
- The retention of lean body mass
- Less fatigue
- Improved quality of life
- Positive effects on mood and self-esteem
- Helps strengthen the immune system
Your mind and your body both need to be in the best shape possible to beat cancer.
By exercising you are doing one of the best things you can do to help your body fight the cancer and stay healthy.
There are many positive benefits to exercise for people with cancer. Improved aerobic and muscular fitness The retention of lean body mass Less fatigue Improved quality of life Positive effects on mood and self-esteem Helps strengthen the immune... More -
Diana C answered:I’m a cancer survivor myself and know first hand how exercise benefits those with cancer. I also have the benefit of my degree and experience and was able to help myself stay motivated and positive even when it felt so dark. I’ve been honored to help those going into, coming out of or in the thick of, a journey through cancer by educating them on the power of exercise not only for the body but for the soul too.
- Don’t avoid activity. Take a walk, ride a bike or go for a swim. Daily physical activity along with some type of resistance exercise will keep your bones strong, increase quality of life, decreases cancer related fatigue and help improve daily physical function.
- The status of your health will determine the proper exercise program and as your health changes, so does the program. There isn’t a one size fits all program because everyone experiences treatment and recovery differently.
- Daily activity improves self esteem, body image, and stress management.
- Length of time one experiences side effects differs so be patient and stay positive.
- Get the green light from your physician before starting any exercise program. Upon consent, consider teaming up with a degreed health professional to guide, teach and train you through the process safely and successfully.
Most importantly, allow yourself to feel. If you’re blue one day then that’s okay. Allow yourself to feel what each day brings. If it’s not so good, well, tomorrow is a new day. On the good days remember to be as active as your body will let you. You can do it…I’m rooting for you!
I’m a cancer survivor myself and know first hand how exercise benefits those with cancer. I also have the benefit of my degree and experience and was able to help myself stay motivated and positive even when it felt so dark. ... More -
Dr. Randy P. Martin of Piedmont Heart Institute answered:According to Robert Allen, M.D., an oncologist at Piedmont Hospital, “there is more data emerging now that shows women, particularly breast cancer patients, who are more active and have an ideal body weight have a lower chance of their cancer reoccurring … it literally improves their chances for survival.” For patients who have undergone chemotherapy and radiation, Dr. Allen recommends that they begin exercising one month after treatment has ended. Even those who weren’t active prior to cancer treatment should begin an exercise regimen after getting the okay from his or her doctor, he adds.
According to Robert Allen, M.D., an oncologist at Piedmont Hospital, “there is more data emerging now that shows women, particularly breast cancer patients, who are more active and have an ideal body weight have a lower chance of their cancer... More
