Ballywho News

The term “cancer” encompasses hundreds of individual conditions. The conditions are linked by the body developing more cells in one particular area than it needs. The body produces additional cells as needed to stay healthy. Sometimes too many cells are produced in combination with not enough cells dying. In the event that this takes place, and the extra cells affect the surrounding tissue in a negative manner, a cancer has unfortunately developed.

Treatment options for cancer vary depending upon type of cancer, its severity and the medical team that is helping the patient combat the disorder. One new form of treatment is gaining popularity amongst medical professionals. This new treatment is exercise. While doctors and nutritionists have recommended exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle for years, they did not always recommend it to cancer patients. Due to the debilitating effects of the disease and the side effects of some other forms of treatment, many doctors prescribed rest. Taking it easy was traditionally looked at as a way of letting the body recuperate and heal. Now the medical community is taking a different stance on exercise for cancer patients. They are starting to see the benefits in their individual patients and through scientific studies.

Benefits of Exercise as a Cancer Treatment

• Increased Energy- Ask any doctor, nutritionist or personal trainer and they will tell you that regular exercise conditions the body and is a means of increasing energy. Many cancer treatments leave patients felling tired so exercise is a way of fighting off fatigue.
• Increased Lifespan- The sad truth is that cancer takes the life of many of its victims. Studies have shown that patients who have survived multiple types of cancer live longer if they exercise. A study on prostate cancer showed that men who exercised vigorously for a half hour a week had a 35% lower chance of dying. Men who did more vigorous exercise- power walking for 90 minutes a week- showed an astonishing 51% lower chance of dying than men who did not exercise.
• Lower Risk Of Recurrence- Many studies have been done in an attempt to prove that exercise can stave of cancer from returning after successful treatment has been performed. The amount of body fat that a patient has is linked to the return of cancer. In essence, the more fat that a patient has on their body, the more likely they are to suffer from cancer again. Exercise keeps the body in shape and reduces if not eliminates unnecessary fat.
• Strengthens the Body- Exercise naturally makes the body stronger. Cardiovascular exercises (running, biking, etc.) make the heart stronger increasing circulation. Resistance exercises (weight lifting) increase muscle mass and make the body stronger all over. Cancer attacks the body and unfortunately some of the necessary treatment options, such as chemotherapy, can weaken it as well. Exercise is a means of building up the body, making it tougher and more resilient which serves patients well when fighting the disease.

Each patient should be considered on an individual basis. Ask your doctor about how exercise could help you or a loved one that is fighting the disease. Moderate exercise is generally recommended while the patient is undergoing treatment. The goal is to keep the body active and strong without over doing it. After other treatment options have run their course, it is recommended that the intensity of exercise sessions increase. Exercise as a form of treatment can include something as simple as taking a walk several nights weeks. Seeking the advice of the attending physician is always necessary.

If you would like to learn more about cancer treatment, visit Largo Medical Center online. If you would like to speak with someone about a medical concern call our Consult-A-Nurse® program at 1-877-442-2362.