Exercise Helps Cancer Patients

I have the privilege of publishing a guest post today by Melanie Bowen. It is great to submit guest posts every so often and this one is really special. She has done research on the benefits of exercise for cancer patients. This is an important subject and I really think you will all enjoy this. 

Exercise Helps Cancer Patients

It is no secret that there are many benefits of exercise. People are always reminded that exercise can help to reduce stress levels, increase energy levels, allow people to lose weight, and reduce the chances of acquiring diabetes. Until recently, many healthcare advocates encouraged cancer patients to refrain from exercising when they were in the process of getting treated for the disease. The false assumption was that if they did not exercise, they would have more energy to spend doing other things that they needed to do. However, this is no longer the case. Today’s healthcare officials encourage patients to still exercise while they are going through treatment and even after the treatment is completed. Exercise will allow the patients to have more energy, increase their muscle strength, and reduce the chances of the cancer returning; therefore, cancer patients should talk with their doctors about developing a safe exercise routine for them.

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments have the tendency to bring on a lot of fatigue for patients. The fatigue will vary and could even be more severe with certain cancers such as mesothelioma patients. With many patients, the fatigue is extreme and prohibits them from enjoying a good quality of life. Proper exercise can help to combat these effects. By properly exercising, the patients can begin to increase their energy levels, and in return, they will be able to enjoy a more independent and productive life. As the patients exercise, their bodies will release endorphins, which are feel good hormones. Therefore, not only will the patients begin to have more pleasant feelings, but they will also get an energy boost that will allow them to respond better to their cancer treatment.

A second result of cancer treatment is the weakening of bones and muscles, and as a result of this, many patients have been known to experience fractures and not have enough strength to handle the treatment. Both cardio and strength training exercises will help in this situation. These exercises will allow the patients to increase their muscle strength, and in return, their strong muscles will better protect their fragile bones. As the patients become stronger, the inability to respond positively to the treatment will be reduced. 

Chemotherapy and radiation are known to destroy cancer cells, which leaves the possibility of the cancer returning. However, exercise will help to strengthen the immune system, and this will result in the body having a better chance of fighting any cancer cells that may return. Therefore, patients should always be reminded of the importance of exercising during their treatments, but the importance of exercising after the treatment should also be emphasized. 

- Melanie Bowen -