Monday, January 2, 2012

Can Fitness Aid in Cancer Treatment?

Today's entry is from a guest blogger. There is a good chance that disease can strike someone close to you at one point or another. Cancer in specific has affected out family. We found this article that Liz Davies has so kindly shared to be insightful and informative.


The American Cancer Society has done studies that show how important for individuals who are fighting diseases to stay in shape, maintain a healthy weight, stay positive and eat a healthy diet. These things have revealed to improve the recovery time and lead to fewer health problems. In the case of cancer is improves treatment symptoms and lessens the risk of cancer reoccurrence.

One of the main symptoms that can arise from cancer treatment is exhaustion. The treatment as well as the disease puts a big emotional burden on the patient and it can often be very hard to handle. Exercises and physical activity tends to be low on the to-do list but exercise can increase energy levels and make coping with the disease easier to handle.

Cancer an emotional burden and therefore causes a lot of stress and unfortunately, stress is connected to a decrease in health. Exercise tackles this issue in multiple ways. “Feel good” chemicals, or endorphins, are released during exercise that leads to a better emotional state. Physical activity also creates better circulation and blood flow throughout the body which helps the immune system combat cancer and recuperation. It also supplies a distraction from other intense matters.

The immune system is increased when there is a daily exercise program in place due to the features of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system echoes the vessels of the cardiovascular system and depends on it to deliver fluids to every part of the body. Activity allows the immune system to work at the optimal point.

Battling exhaustion is a stress that a sick person should not have to deal with in addition to the therapy and the actual disease; exercise is a natural way to curb this fatigue. It is well known cancer treatments, whether that is chemotherapy, surgery or radiation, can be painful. Staying active leads to better pain tolerance.

When discussing exercise for cancer patients it is important to understand that no one expects anyone to be running marathons. Everyone is different and has a different fitness level. Engaging in tai chi, walking, yoga, gardening, or even putting groceries away is enough daily activity for some people while others might need to go running or take a kickboxing class. Whatever the case is, it is important to discuss an exercise routine with a doctor or personal trainer who is versed in cancer treatments. It is necessary to find the appropriate amount of activity whether the cancer patient is receiving treatment for breast cancer or mesothelioma.


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.


1 comment:

  1. Exercise provides great psychological and physiological command in cancer recovery.

    Orange County Cancer Recovery

    ReplyDelete