The National Cancer Institute recently completed and published a study on the benefits and positive effects of physical activity for cancer patients. While many people assume that exercise can help with overall health, there are also additional advantages to engaging in physical activity before, during and after cancer treatment. Prevention Regular exercise has been shown to influence the occurrence of cancer in patients. Prostate and breast cancer rates decrease among individuals who regularly exercise. Also, uterine, colon cancer and mesothelioma rates are lower for people who are generally fit through exercise. Colon cancer is one of the most studied types of cancer. Researchers have discovered that patients who exercise regularly reduce their risk of developing colon cancer by as much as 40 percent, compared to individuals who do not exercise and are primarily sedentary. Improved Survival Rates Another benefit to physical activity for cancer patients is that it improves survival rates. In several studies it has been discovered that patients who engage in moderate exercise three to five hours per week live longer than patients who do not engage in any physical activity at all. In breast cancer in particular, it is thought that regular exercise helps with cancers that are hormone-responsive and helps the body’s natural immune response to cancer. Other findings included insulin and leptin level improvement. Also, women who engage in regular physical activity report that they have less fatigue, feel more balanced overall and feel they have a higher quality of life than individuals who do not get regular physical activity. Emotional Benefits One of the aspects of dealing with cancer that often is neglected by doctors and patients alike is the emotional effect cancer can have on an individual. Many cancer patients experience depression and problems with anxiety, along with sleep disturbances and changes in appetite and problems with concentration. Regular physical activity can not only elevate mood and alleviate anxiety symptoms, but it can lead to feeling better about your body and improved quality of life. Regular exercise has been recommended by therapists for a long time to help patients with mood disorders. Cancer patients often report that simply taking regular walks can help improve their mood. Physical Benefits Physical activity can also promote general physical benefits. For example, regular exercise can lower blood pressure and improve lung and cardiovascular capacity. Additionally, physical activity can reduce the risk for heart disease and help prevent early death as a result of stroke and heart attack. Individuals who exercise regularly also have fewer problems with obesity and weight issues. As a result, they have lower rates of diabetes. Regular exercise is an important part of overall health for everyone. For cancer patients it is extremely important because of the effect it has on survival rates and the ability to cope with the effects of cancer treatment and the illness itself. This goes for cancer patients trying to conquer cancers with low survival rates like pericardial mesothelioma and cancers that have traditionally higher survival rates like skin melanoma. No matter what journey the cancer patient is going through it is important to keep the motivation and positive thinking going and that is all possible with exercise.
Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives because she sees how cancer has devastated so many people in this world. Liz also likes running, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with her dog, April.
The National Cancer Institute
uterine,
mesothelioma
Colon cancer
pericardial mesothelioma
skin melanoma
Xeno Muller, Olympic gold and silver medalist, indoor rowing, rowing technique.
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