Good idea to have a complete physical exam. Ideally, cancer survivors should do aerobic exercises and weight training. Both types of exercise are critical to the overall health and well-being of cancer survivors.
Exercise for Cancer Patients At least 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least 5 days a week. This amount of exercise is proven to reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
How Much and How Hard? The key is to start slowly and build your body's energy over time. Your body has been through a lot and it is necessary to challenge it gradually.
Exercising During Cancer Treatment If you have been recently diagnosed with cancer or are undergoing treatment, it's important to take special care of yourself. Studies show that one of the best ways to do this is to stay physically active. That doesn't, of course, mean you should run a marathon or scale a mountain. But it's wise to add some form of regular exercise to your daily life--even during cancer therapy. Moderate aerobic exercise, such as riding a stationary bicycle or taking a daily walk, coupled with the use of light weights for strength training, can enhance physical well-being and spur recovery.
Exercise reduces fatigue During treatment Research has found no harmful effects on patients with cancer from moderate exercise and, in fact, has demonstrated that those who exercised regularly had 40% to 50% less fatigue, the primary complaint during treatment. Engaging in regular exercise increases muscle strength, joint flexibility and general conditioning, all of which may be impaired by surgery and some therapies. Exercise is known to improve cardiovascular function and to protect bones. It also elevates mood, offering drug-free relief for the feelings of depression that may accompany a cancer diagnosis. Finally, exercise helps control weight -- a crucial factor, as studies have shown that gaining weight during and after treatment raises the risk of a cancer recurrence, particularly for breast, colon and prostate cancers. Exercise with impact An effective exercise program has three components: • An aerobic workout that pumps up your heart rate. Examples include brisk walking (outdoors or on a treadmill), jogging, swimming, or bicycling. • Strength training to tone and build muscles. This includes lifting weights or working with a machine circuit or resistance bands. (Be sure to get instruction if you're new to this type of exercise; light weights are sufficient to maintain strength.) • Stretching to keep muscles and joints limber. Gallery item 1 Gallery item 2 Gallery item 3 Gallery item 4
Proceed with care It is important to discuss with Dr. Luis H. Camancho or physical therapist the type of exercise you are considering to ensure it will be safe.Your goal should be at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week or more. But be cautious: if you try to do too much, you may become discouraged and stop exercising altogether. On the other hand, if you were a regular at the gym before cancer, you may have to lower the intensity of workouts for awhile. Here are some additional suggestions: • If you don't have the energy to exercise a full half hour, break it up; try three 10-minute walks during the day. • Make exercise enjoyable; recruit a walking partner or listen to music with headphones while on a recumbent bike or treadmill. • Keep muscles from wasting due to inactivity. • Lessen the risk of osteoporosis (weak bones that are more likely to break). • Dress comfortably and drink plenty of water. • Warm up by swinging your arms or marching in place and cool down with gentle stretches. • Do some gardening or house cleaning – both provide physical workouts. • Consider yoga and tai chi; though not aerobic, they integrate movement and meditation and enhance wellness. • Look for programs designed for cancer patients. Some health clubs and hospitals offer exercise classes that address the challenges and needs of people with cancer. • If on radiation therapy, avoid swimming pools; they can expose you to bacteria that may cause infections and the chlorine may irritate radiated skin. • Listen to your body; don't exercise if you're not feeling well or running a fever. Gallery item 1 Gallery item 2 Gallery item 3 Gallery item 4
Effective exercise To make your exercise effort most effective (give you the best results), it’s important that you work your heart. Notice your heart rate, your breathing, and how tired your muscles get. If you get short of breath or very tired, rest for a few seconds, and start exercising again as you are able. When you first start, the goal is to exercise for at least 10 minutes at a time. Go slow at first, and over the next few weeks, increase the length of time you exercise. Be careful if you’re taking blood pressure medicine that controls your heart rate. Your heart rate will not go up, but your blood pressure can get high. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about this if you’re not sure about your medicines. We don’t know the best level of exercise for someone with cancer. The goal is to have your exercise program help you keep up your muscle strength and keep you able to do the things you want and need to do. The more you exercise, the better you’ll be able to exercise and function. But even if planned exercise stops, it’s good to keep being active by doing your normal activities as much as you can.