While cancer patients have traditionally been advised to reduce their physical activity during treatment; recent research shows that exercise can slow down cancer.

How this works is not fully understood. But we all know that exercise improves physical fitness and boosts immunity. Studies have also led to the conclusion that physical activity helps in recovery from cancer. So, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, don’t slow down. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. Ask for advice about exercising during and after treatment.

In this discussion, we look at types of exercise and possible ways how exercise can slow down cancer.

Exercise Reduces Mortality Rate of Cancer Survivors

A 2013 research study involving mice, found that mice that exercised on a treadmill for one hour daily for five days a week over a period of 32 weeks had a significantly lower risk of liver cancer compared to their sedentary counterparts.

Another study indicates that shedding a mere 5 percent of body weight increases survival rate of breast cancer patients by 20 percent.

And yet another study at Yale University, involving 5000 people with breast cancer; found that three hours of brisk walking per week reduced mortality rate by 46 percent.

Many other studies have come up with similar findings. And yet, even without these cancer-focused studies, it is well known that regular physical exercise helps keep the body healthy. It sharpens the mind, reduces stress, and helps you sleep better.

How Does Exercise Improve Health?

Reduction of stress, anxiety and risk of depression

Prevention of constipation

Higher energy levels

Reduced fatigue

Improved heart health

Better blood circulation

Lower risk of blood clots

Improves flow of lymph fluids which strengthens the immune system

Better quality and quantity of sleep

Increases production of endorphins; feel-good hormones associated with fighting disease

Improved appetite

Stronger, healthier bones

Healthy weight management

Improved balance and posture

Reduced dependence on others

Better self-esteem and self-worth

Increased musculoskeletal strength

Better quality of life

Reduced nausea

How to Exercise During and After Treatment

Health benefits of exercise are not limited to certain conditions. When cancer patients and cancer survivors exercise regularly, they set themselves up for the following health benefits:

Physical exercise helps during and after cancer treatment. Some therapists advise patients to start exercising as soon as possible following cancer diagnosis and commencement of treatment.

Your ability and intensity depends on whether or not you were physically active prior to the diagnosis. If you have been exercising hard, you may need to slow down a bit. Those who begin exercising during or following treatment, need to start with gentle exercises and to build up the intensity and duration of exercise as your body adjusts. As you commence exercise to help in your recuperation, it helps to consult your doctor and a physical therapist for any suggestions and guidance.

This is even more important for elderly persons and those suffering, or with a risk of suffering from conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis and arthritis.

Fight cancer with this ingredient.

How Much Exercise Should You Do?

The idea of exercising is to keep your body fit. To achieve this, you need to indulge in regular physical activity. More than 20 studies have found that the risk of cancer recurrence is lower for survivors who maintain a physically active lifestyle. These studies have been carried out on people with different cancers, including ovarian, prostate, breast and colorectal.

The American Cancer Society says that cancer survivors benefit more by doing the following:

Exercising regularly

Exercising for 2 ½ hours or more per week

Continues with, or settles back to normal daily activities as soon as possible following cancer diagnosis

Adopts challenging strength training as part of the exercise program for two days or more per week

Types of Exercise to Slow Down Cancer

There are many types of exercise to choose from including the following:

Riding a bicycle

Walking

Scrubbing your bathroom

Cleaning your car

Jumping rope

Dancing

Stationary bike riding

Climbing stairs

Mowing your lawn

Wearing a pedometer helps you track your physical activity level so that you can steadily increase it

How to Exercise to Aid Recovery from Cancer

Here’s how you can maintain a regular exercise routine:

Decide what exercises you will be doing

Draw up a routine

Exercise regularly

Exercise outdoors when possible so you enjoy the fresh air

Include resting intervals in your exercise routine

Drink 8 glasses of water or more per day

Choose exercises that you enjoy doing

Have fun exercising

Set goals – short-term and long-term

Vary your exercise types

Keep track of your exercises using a pedometer or a chart

Ask your doctor for pain control medications when necessary

Reward yourself when you reach exercise targets

Ask for help when you need it

Enlist your friends in your exercises

Avoid Exercise In case of the following:

Anemia

Anemia Low white blood cell count

If you have mineral (electrolyte) imbalance especially due to vomiting and diarrhea

If you have pain, nausea or vomiting

Avoid water exercises in case you have an inserted feeding tube or catheter

Avoid exposure to the sun, of skin undergoing radiation

Avoid extreme exercises during treatment and immediately after treatment

Consult your doctor in case of injury, sudden weight gain, swelling, bleeding, shortness of breath after minimal exercise or similar

Nutrition to Help In Recovery from Cancer

Besides physical activity, many studies have found that cancer survivors, like those recovering from other ailments, can benefit from healthy nutrition. Healthy nutrition for cancer survivors should include assorted vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grain.

Here I answer some questions about breast cancer

In case you are overweight or obese, reducing intake of carbohydrate food and drinks will help you shed some weight. Research indicates that being obese or overweight increases the risk of getting some cancers. It also increases the risk of cancer recurrence.

For those who are underweight following treatment of cancers of the lungs, digestive tract or other abdominal cancers, nutrition can be used to regain healthy body weight.