Undergoing cancer treatment can be challenging as it significantly impacts your body and energy levels, all while you manage appointments and various therapies. For most cancer patients, staying active becomes overwhelming. They often avoid physical activities and refrain from doing things they love due to a lack of motivation. However, being physically inactive can slow down your recovery process, so staying active becomes crucial.
The purpose of this article is to provide fitness and exercise guidance for those undergoing cancer treatment. It will also give you an overview of the benefits of exercise in improving health outcomes during treatment. As cancer treatments are profoundly personal, remember to seek medical assistance and guidance. Look for a reliable cancer hospital like Oncare; we offer specialized services and valuable support that align with your cancer treatment journey.
Benefits of Following a Routine Exercise During Cancer Treatment
Studies suggest that exercise can increase the chances of survival for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Let us understand how exercise benefits your physical and mental health as you navigate through cancer.
Physical Benefits
There are significant physical benefits to incorporating daily exercise into your cancer care routine. It can reduce fatigue, improve your sleep cycle, and help you with weight issues and other health complications. Let us look at the physical benefits of following a routine exercise.
Reduces Cancer-Related Fatigue
Cancer-related fatigue is very common in cancer patients and is also associated with post-treatment side effects. Even simple daily tasks can make you feel tired and distressed during cancer. Doing gentle exercise regularly can promote oxygen supply and improve your body’s energy level. In addition, it reduces fatigue and helps you build muscle strength.
Helps in Weight Management
Several studies indicate that weight management plays a crucial part in the well-being of cancer patients. Regular exercise can be very beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight as it reduces inflammation, supports hormonal balance, and helps burn calories to prevent other health complications. It also benefits the body in fighting cancer cells by enhancing the immune system.
Improves Bone Health
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can affect your bone density and increase the risk of bone loss. Routine exercise can help improve your bone health during cancer treatment and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. It also contributes to improved mobility and strength in performing your daily tasks.
Enhances Cardiovascular Health
A key benefit of exercise is that it helps regulate your blood pressure and strengthen your heart muscle. It improves the efficiency of your heart in pumping blood and reduces the risk of hypertension and stroke. Also, it prevents blood clotting, which is a potential side effect of some cancer treatments.
Helps Manage Post-Treatment Side Effects
Sometimes people question the effectiveness of exercise to ease the side effects of cancer post-treatment. The answer is yes, it can. Research reveals that regular exercise can help cancer patients cope with the side effects after treatment. Cancer patients can experience side effects such as nausea, chronic pain, lymphedema, and neuropathy. Therefore, following a personalized exercise session should be a part of the daily routine both during and after cancer treatment. Despite the complexities of cancer, leading a healthy life is possible with proper medical support and guidance.
Mental Benefits
Including exercise in your routine not only improves your physical health but also helps alleviate your mental health concerns.
Reduces Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are often visible in cancer patients. As your body undergoes a lot of changes during cancer treatment, worrying about health, treatments, and side effects can increase mental health issues. Regular physical activity creates a healthy distraction from such thoughts. Exercise can help release tension and make a positive impact on your mood by reducing anxiety and depression. Depression can often lead to poor sleep or insomnia. Getting an adequate amount of sleep is important while your body is undergoing or recovering from treatment. Indulging in mindful exercise can be effective in releasing built-up stress and improving your sleep cycle.
Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem
Cancer treatments can be rigorous; hence, physical limitations and changes in the body can lower self-esteem in cancer patients. Following a routine exercise can boost your confidence and self-esteem. It allows you to regain a sense of control over your body and physical capabilities. You feel emotionally and mentally strong when the improvement in your health is significant.
Exercise and Fitness Tips to Stay Active During Cancer Treatment
As mentioned earlier, staying fit can ease certain complications caused by cancer. Let’s look into some fitness tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle during cancer.
Start with Slow Exercises
While exercise can benefit your health, never push yourself too much. You can start with light-intensity exercises like warming up and taking light walks for 5–10 minutes regularly. You can include Tai Chi, gentle stretching, and simple exercises for balance and flexibility. Ensure to consult an oncologist at Oncare before starting any exercise. They can guide you with a personalized exercise plan considering your cancer type, stage, treatment, and overall health.
Make a Weekly Plan for Activities
Plan your everyday activities for better management and effective results. You can set a specific time for activities and divide them throughout the day. You can include physical activities like going for a morning walk or engaging in things that you love like gardening, swimming, gentle yoga, or stretches. Take short breaks between the activities to manage fatigue. Planning your activities will help you to be consistent in your fitness journey during cancer treatment. It will also help in tracking the progress and achievements of your daily activities.
Gradually Increase Intensity
Gradually increase the intensity of your exercise once your body gets accustomed to basic physical activity. Initially, prioritize increasing the length of your exercise. Suppose you were taking a 10-minute walk before; you can increase it to 20 minutes. By doing so, you allow your body to adapt to the changes. Over time, you can include moderate-intensity exercise like aerobics and cycling.
Strength Training
Include strength training activities such as sit-ups, push-ups, and weight lifting as part of your daily exercise routine. You can start with light resistance exercises, like using a resistance band. This helps you build and maintain your overall strength and endurance during treatment. If you are not sure how to begin strength training exercises, we at Oncare can provide you with a balanced fitness routine with valuable guidance.
Join a Fitness Community
Isolation and inactivity are common in cancer patients. You can overcome these physical, mental, and social challenges by joining a fitness community that provides support and guidance specifically designed for cancer patients. It provides a positive and encouraging environment where you can share experiences. Consider seeking help from a certified health trainer for safe and effective fitness exercises. Exercising with others will make you feel connected and build confidence.
Set Practical Goals
Trying to do a lot at once can drain energy and hurt your health. Be realistic while setting your goals. Know what you want to achieve, whether it is duration, frequency, or type of exercise. You can start with smaller goals like walking for 10 minutes or meditating for 5 minutes regularly. By doing so, you can maintain consistency and achieve your set goals. Moreover, it encourages you to set larger goals and boost confidence.
Take Safety Precautions
Safety should always come first. In every step of your fitness journey, consult with your healthcare provider. While fitness improves your health, staying hydrated and nourished is important for a healthy recovery. Do not overdo anything. Understand your body’s needs and limitations by paying attention to any discomfort or pain that may arise during exercise. It reduces the risk of injury and infection. Therefore, by taking safety precautions, you can minimize severe complications and side effects during treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, regular activities and exercise serve as a powerful means for cancer patients to improve health complications and alleviate fatigue and anxiety. Combining personalized and planned fitness activities can enhance your overall well-being and help prevent future complications of cancer. By actively engaging in mindful exercise, you can stay motivated and see visible physical and mental health improvement throughout your healing journey. For a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to your cancer treatment, consult us at Oncare Cancer Centre. We not only conduct effective treatments to help you fight cancer but also suggest to you the right post-treatment guidelines for effective recovery.
FAQs
- Is it safe to exercise during cancer treatment?
Yes, exercising and staying active during cancer treatment is safe and beneficial for overall health. It tends to reduce fatigue, improve mood, and enhance overall quality of life. However, it is important to consult your oncologist before starting any exercise to make sure it aligns well with your treatment and condition to avoid any physical exertion.
- What types of exercises are recommended for cancer patients?
Cancer patients are recommended to engage in a combination of aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, etc., along with strength training, which includes light weightlifting or resistance band exercises. Many oncologists also suggest that patients practice mind-body exercises like yoga and tai chi that help reduce stress and anxiety and improve flexibility.
- How often should I exercise during cancer treatment?
Try aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise that is not hard on your body per week. Alongside, opt for strength training exercises two to three times weekly. If you’re new to exercise, make sure to start slowly and gradually and later increase the duration and intensity as per your tolerance.
- Can exercise help with cancer-related fatigue?
Yes, definitely. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce cancer-related fatigue, which is a very common side effect of treatment. Low energy and morning sickness, too, can be managed with consistent, moderate exercise. They help boost energy levels and improve mood and overall well-being.
- Are there any precautions I should take when exercising during cancer treatment?
You should always listen to your body first and avoid unnecessary exertion while undergoing cancer treatment. That being said, staying hydrated, wearing appropriate footwear, and avoiding crowded places are the keys to an enhanced immune system. It’s extremely important to monitor your body daily for any unusual symptoms and consult your oncologist if you experience pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath during exercise.
