Cancer: Effect of Physical Exercise

A cancer diagnosis is a deeply challenging time in anyone’s life. Cancer treatment, which can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, often comes with a range of physical and emotional side effects. However, a growing body of research is showing that regular exercise can play a crucial role in improving the quality of life of cancer patients, both during and after treatment. This article explores the benefits of exercise in the context of cancer and how it can be safely integrated into your daily routine.

Understanding Cancer and the Challenges of Treatment

Cancer encompasses a variety of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Depending on the type of cancer and the stage at which it is diagnosed, treatments can be quite intense and vary from person to person. Some of the most common side effects of cancer treatments include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Loss of muscle strength and body mass
• Compromised immune system
• Pain and discomfort
• Changes in appetite and weight loss
• Sleep disorders
• Anxiety and depression

Managing these side effects is essential to maintaining quality of life during and after treatment, and physical exercise has proven to be a valuable tool in this process.

Benefits of Physical Exercise for Cancer Patients

Although exercise should be tailored to individual needs and abilities, the benefits for cancer patients are widely recognized by the medical community:

1. Fatigue Reduction

Fatigue is one of the most debilitating symptoms for cancer patients. Paradoxically, regular exercise, even at low intensity, can help reduce feelings of tiredness and increase energy levels.

2. Improved Muscle Strength and Mobility

Cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy, can lead to muscle loss and weakness. Resistance exercise, such as light weight training, can help maintain and improve muscle strength, making it easier to perform daily activities.

3. Support the Immune System

Moderate physical activity can strengthen the immune system, helping the body fight infections and improve its response to cancer treatment.

4. Improved Mental Wellbeing

Exercise is known to promote the release of endorphins, which can improve mood, reduce anxiety and combat depression, providing an overall sense of well-being.

5. Improved Sleep Quality

Exercise can help regulate sleep cycles, improving the quality of rest, which is often disturbed during cancer treatment.

6. Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is important during cancer treatment, and exercise can help control body weight, reducing the risk of complications associated with excessive weight gain or loss.

7. Reduction of Risk of Recurrence

Studies suggest that regular exercise may help reduce the risk of recurrence of certain types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer.

Types of Exercise Recommended for Cancer Patients

It is essential that cancer patients follow an exercise program adapted to their physical condition and stage of treatment. Below are some types of exercises that can be considered:

1. Low Intensity Aerobic Exercises

• Walking : Walking is an excellent form of aerobic exercise, which can be easily adjusted in terms of duration and intensity according to the patient's physical condition.
• Swimming : Swimming or exercising in water is ideal for minimizing impact on joints while providing an excellent cardiovascular workout.
• Cycling : Using an exercise bike or an outdoor bike can be a safe option for improving cardiovascular endurance.

2. Resistance Exercises

• Light Weight Training : Using light weights or resistance bands can help maintain muscle mass and strength, which is essential for mobility and daily functionality.
• Bodyweight Exercises : Simple movements, such as squats or leg raises, can be adapted to the patient's abilities to strengthen different muscle groups.

3. Flexibility and Balance Exercises

• Yoga : Yoga can help improve flexibility, balance and mental well-being, and also offers relaxation and breathing techniques that are useful during treatment.
• Tai Chi : A gentle practice that combines movement and breathing, helping with coordination and mental tranquility.

4. Stretching and Mobility

• Gentle Stretching : Maintaining a daily stretching routine can help maintain flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness, especially if the patient is spending a lot of time resting.

Tips for Starting an Exercise Program

For cancer patients, it is essential to follow some guidelines before starting an exercise program:

1. Medical Consultation : Always consult your physician or oncologist before beginning any exercise program to ensure that the activities are safe and appropriate for your condition.
2. Start Slowly : Start with low-intensity exercises and gradually increase as you feel more comfortable and confident.
3. Listen to your body : Respect your body's signals and rest when necessary. Avoid overexerting yourself, especially during the most difficult days of treatment.
4. Maintain Regularity : Try to maintain a consistent routine, even at a low intensity, to reap the benefits of exercise in the long term.
5. Group or Partner Involvement : Taking part in a group exercise class or exercising with a friend can provide additional emotional support and make the experience more motivating.

Conclusion

Exercise is an essential component of managing health during and after cancer treatment. In addition to improving physical fitness, exercise contributes significantly to mental and emotional well-being, helping patients face the challenges of treatment with greater strength and resilience. With a careful and targeted approach, exercise can be a powerful tool in the journey to recovery and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.