Benefits of Exercise as Complimentary Cancer Treatment

This is a guest post by David Haas of The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.


A growing number of fitness programs across the country are targeting cancer patients. The positive experiences of several high-profile athletes diagnosed with cancer in the 1990s spurred new research, which has proven time and again that exercise is safe during every stage of cancer treatment and offers a holistic approach to managing symptoms.

Exercise as Holistic Compliment to Cancer Treatment

In the past, doctors advised against physical activity and tried to manage symptoms of both cancer and treatment with a wide range of medications. Though medications are still commonly used, and some doctors remain wary of exercise, physical fitness has been found a necessary component of treatment by the leading research organization. They suggest that all patients, even those with a terminal diagnosis of brain cancer or mesothelioma, avoid physical inactivity at every stage of treatment.

This one prescription for regular exercise has been proven capable of increasing the quality of life for all patients, reducing reliance on pharmaceuticals in the process. Fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, weight changes, and emotional problems resulting from the stress of diagnosis and treatment can all be addressed at once with regular exercise. Patients with certain forms of cancer will receive further benefits of more successful treatments and longer life expectancy.

Cascading Benefits Attributed to All Forms of Exercise

Though it does not capture more recent studies, a high-quality research review in 2005 shows numerous benefits from the inclusion of a regular exercise program in cancer treatment. Physiological and psychological benefits were numerous for those exercising during traditional treatment programs. At the time, the primary focus was on breast cancer and cardiovascular aerobics, but more recent studies have confirmed these and more benefits for other types of cancer. They have also discovered that anabolic exercise, also known as resistance training, can provide even more benefits.

Is Exercise Really Safe?

Studies on exercise and cancer have been largely performed under the supervision of fitness experts. Many patients are capable of exercising safely without oversight, provided that precautions are taken. Those without a history of physical fitness should start with an easier program and build up slowly to reduce the risk of injury. It will also be helpful to consult with a personal trainer or expert knowledgeable in cancer care. Patients with a good understanding of their body and history of exercise can use their best judgment, such as slowing down the routine immediately after treatment and avoiding over-exertion.

Certain types of treatment, such as various surgeries, will benefit from special forms of exercise. Physical therapists often consult with oncologists to provide these. Advanced stage patients who require hospitalization may be severely limited in physical mobility, but even here individualized fitness programs can provide benefits.

To read more posts from David Haas, and for information and support for cancer, please visit his blog about cancer and fitness at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.

And please visit our NEW website -- www.positivechargefitness.com for Long Island personal training.