Fitness and Cancer- Help Yourself Fight The Disease

This blog post is courtesy of David Haas
Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Guest Blogger
http://about.me/haasblaag

Fitness and Cancer- Help Yourself Fight The Disease


Health and wellness experts say that exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and reduces the risk of certain kinds of cancers. More than that, a recent bulletin from the National Cancer Institute points out that regular exercise has many benefits for newly diagnosed cancer patients, those going through treatments and survivors of the disease.

Many types of exercise offer benefits to those dealing with cancer. Gentle, stress-relieving practices such as yoga and qigong can help cancer sufferers deal with the impact of a diagnosis and treatment, while more rigorous types of exercise can help survivors get back in shape and remain healthy after completing treatments.

The proven benefits of regular exercise have special relevance to cancer patients. Cancer patients who work out feel more empowered and confident in their body’s ability to fight the disease. A regular fitness routine improves heart and cardiovascular functioning, oxygenates the body and promotes flexibility and strength. Additional benefits of exercise include relaxation and healthful sleep.

For those just diagnosed with cancer, exercise and healthy eating can relieve the stress associated with dealing with a diagnosis and treatment, support the body’s immune response, and improve circulation, and muscle tone. Exercise can also help a cancer sufferer’s self-esteem and restore a positive body image. Some cancers alter the body’s composition, causing either wasting and loss of muscle, or weight gain, so exercise also helps to maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise can improve the functioning of organs affected by cancer. For example, those suffering from mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer usually caused by asbestos exposure, may breathe more easily thanks to a gentle exercise program. Also, for those undergoing treatments, exercise can also increase flexibility in muscles and joints made stiff and painful from chemotherapy, and help relieve discomfort from side effects, such as constipation, nausea and loss of appetite.

However, exercising during cancer treatments and even in the years following successful treatment involves cautions. Some cancer treatments, such as androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, cause an increased risk of bone fracture. Breast cancer surgery can have an impact on shoulder muscles. It’s important to work with a fitness professional to create an exercise program that accommodates these special considerations.

Although cancer patients must heed their physician’s recommendation about exercising during treatment, the National Cancer Institute also notes that exercise at comfortable levels can help at even later stages of the disease. Exercise can even be done in bed or in a wheelchair, and the workout can be adjusted to fit an individual’s needs at different stages of illness. For individuals dealing with cancer, regular exercise offers support every step of the way.

As always, consult with your Dr. before beginning any fitness or exercise program.

Article contributed by David Haas
Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Guest Blogger
http://about.me/haasblaag