I’ve seen firsthand how cancer treatment can affect the body. The physical, emotional, and mental toll of cancer treatment can be overwhelming, and patients often feel fatigued, weak, and anxious. However, one of the most beneficial things patients can do during and after treatment is exercise. In fact, exercise and cancer treatment are not only compatible, but exercise can also enhance recovery, improve quality of life, and help manage the side effects of treatment.
In this blog, I want to delve into how exercise can benefit cancer patients during treatment, as well as how it can play a crucial role in recovery after treatment. Exercise is a powerful tool, and understanding its benefits can empower you to take an active role in your own cancer journey.
The Role of Exercise in Cancer Treatment
It might seem counterintuitive to think about exercise during cancer treatment, especially when patients often experience fatigue, weakness, and a general lack of energy. However, research has shown that regular, moderate physical activity can actually improve energy levels, reduce fatigue, and promote overall physical and mental well-being during cancer treatment.
One of the main ways exercise helps during treatment is by reducing cancer-related fatigue. This type of fatigue is common in cancer patients, especially during chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy. While rest is important, engaging in light exercise, such as walking, stretching, or gentle yoga, can help improve circulation, boost energy, and reduce feelings of tiredness. Exercise also helps improve sleep quality, which in turn aids in better overall energy levels during the day.
Additionally, exercise and cancer care go hand-in-hand when it comes to managing other common side effects of treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments can cause muscle loss, joint pain, and decreased flexibility. Regular exercise can help combat these side effects by strengthening muscles, improving range of motion, and reducing the severity of aches and pains. It also helps prevent the loss of bone density, which can occur due to some cancer treatments, reducing the risk of fractures or osteoporosis.
Exercise as a Tool for Mental Health During Treatment
The emotional toll of cancer treatment is just as significant as the physical effects. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common among cancer patients, and these feelings can often be exacerbated by the uncertainty of treatment and the physical discomfort caused by therapy. Fortunately, exercise can play a vital role in managing mental health during cancer treatment.
Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. These hormones can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, creating a sense of well-being and positivity. Exercise also provides a sense of control and accomplishment, which is important when everything else in life may feel uncertain. Even a short daily walk or a few minutes of stretching can have a positive impact on your mood and emotional state, and it can help counteract feelings of helplessness.
Many patients also report that exercise helps them feel more “normal” during treatment. Engaging in physical activity allows patients to reconnect with their bodies in a positive way, giving them a sense of empowerment and strength. This mental boost can be just as important as the physical benefits, helping patients maintain hope and optimism through difficult times.
Post-Treatment: Exercise as a Key to Recovery
The benefits of exercise don’t stop once treatment is finished. In fact, maintaining an active lifestyle after cancer treatment is just as important, if not more so. The recovery period after cancer treatment can be challenging, as the body works to heal from the side effects of chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Exercise can help with this recovery process by promoting healing, boosting energy, and improving overall quality of life.
One of the most significant benefits of exercise and cancer recovery is its role in improving cardiovascular health. Cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy, can have a negative impact on the heart and circulatory system. Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can help strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, and prevent cardiovascular complications.
Exercise also helps prevent weight gain, which is common after cancer treatment. Some cancer treatments can alter metabolism and increase the risk of weight gain. Regular physical activity helps regulate weight, improve muscle tone, and maintain a healthy body composition. This is particularly important for reducing the risk of cancer recurrence, as maintaining a healthy weight has been shown to reduce the likelihood of some types of cancer returning.
The Importance of Tailored Exercise Plans
While the benefits of exercise during and after cancer treatment are clear, it’s important to approach exercise in a thoughtful and individualized manner. Not all cancer treatments affect patients in the same way, and every person’s physical capabilities and energy levels are different. It’s crucial to tailor an exercise plan to your specific needs, abilities, and treatment protocol.
As an oncologist, I always work closely with my patients to determine the right exercise plan based on their diagnosis, treatment stage, and overall health. For some patients, a low-impact, low-intensity exercise plan may be appropriate, while others may be ready for more vigorous activities. In either case, starting slowly and gradually increasing intensity is key to ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Many cancer centers have physical therapists or exercise specialists who can create a personalized exercise program for patients. These specialists can help with exercises that improve strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. They can also provide guidance on avoiding exercises that could exacerbate pain or lead to injury.
The Emotional and Social Benefits of Exercise
Exercise can also provide valuable emotional and social benefits. Group exercise classes or activities can help patients build a sense of community, providing a support network that extends beyond family and medical professionals. Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can be a powerful motivator and a way to share advice, strength, and encouragement.
Additionally, engaging in physical activity can provide a sense of routine and purpose, which is especially important during the recovery phase after cancer treatment. When everything feels uncertain, exercise can offer a sense of stability and normalcy, helping patients regain confidence in their bodies and their capabilities.
Conclusion: Exercise and Cancer – A Powerful Partnership
In conclusion, exercise is one of the most effective tools in the fight against cancer, both during treatment and after recovery. It can help reduce fatigue, manage side effects, improve mental health, and speed up the recovery process. Whether you’re in the midst of treatment or in the process of recovering, exercise and cancer care are closely linked, and incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can greatly enhance your overall well-being.