Jul 29, 20192 min

Exercise – The Benefits Pre, During and Post Cancer Diagnosis

Updated: Aug 22, 2019

Rest, take it easy, maybe have a break for a while…

These are comments individuals being treated for or
 recovering from cancer often here. However research suggests that exercise has
 multiple benefits pre, during and post cancer treatment.

This doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon or scale a
 mountain (unless that is your jam, then go for it), it means implementing some
 form of regular physical activity into your daily routine and reducing the time
 you spend inactive.
 

But why?

Studies have shown that being active can help manage some
 of the common side-effects of cancer treatment, increase treatment response and
 improve quality of life. Not only does regular physical activity help to reduce
 the risk of cancer reoccurrence it can help decrease an individual’s risk of
 developing subsequent chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. The
 Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) suggests that exercise should be
 prescribed to all cancer patients as a standard component of their cancer
 treatment.
 

Side effects and the benefits of exercise

Cancer treatment and side-effects vary from individual to
 individual; however common side-effects can be managed with the implementation
 of regular exercise.

  1. Fatigue:

  2. The primary complaint during cancer treatment.
         Losing fitness and strength can increase fatigue levels, staying active can
         help reduce fatigue

  3. Quality
         of life:

  4. Physical activity can help improve quality of
         life issues such as image / self-esteem, wellbeing, sexuality, sleep
         disturbance, social functioning, anxiety, fatigue and pain.

  5. Loss
         of muscle strength:

  6. Inactivity and some forms of cancer treatment
         can lead to muscle weakness. Strength training helps to maintain / improve
         muscle strength

  7. Loss
         of bone strength:

  8. Cancer and its treatment process can have long
         term effects on bone health / strength. Weight bearing exercise will not only
         aid in keeping the bones strong but will ensure long term bone health.

  9. Weight
         gain:

  10. Treatment processes and inactivity often lead to
         weight gain and can increase the risk of cancer reoccurrence.

How?

Before getting started it is important to speak with an
 oncologist or general practitioner and seek the advice of an Accredited
 Exercise Physiologist. Ensuring the correct precautions are taken, the exercise
 program is adapted to your ability and suits your type / stage of cancer is
 important.

  1. Choose
         exercise you enjoy

  2. Include
         a combination and aerobic and strength training exercises

  3. Build up to achieving 150-300minutes of moderate
         intensity activity or 75-150min of vigorous intensity exercise over the week

  4. 2 – 3 strength based sessions a week

  5. Reduce
         time spent inactive – doing something is better than doing nothing

  6. Aim to move on most, preferably all days of the
         week

  7. Break up long periods of sitting as often as you
         can

  8. Take
         your time building up your exercise levels and seek guidance regularly

Take home message:

EXERCISE IS MEDICINE
 

Exercise can help to manage chronic disease, reduce fatigue and depression and improve overall physical / social functioning and wellbeing. Exercise is a form of treatment that can be beneficial to an individual pre, during and post cancer diagnosis. The sooner you start exercising the better you will feel, the fewer medications you are likely to need and the risk of complications will be lower.

Author – Alice Hall (AEP, AES, ESSAM)

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