Learn about the benefits of using Exercise to manage Cancer & Thrive through Treatment.
Cancer is a challenging disease that affects millions of people worldwide. While medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy are a cornerstone in fighting cancer, incorporating exercise physiology into your treatment plan can have numerous benefits.
Today we explore the benefits of exercise physiology for cancer treatment and why you should consider incorporating exercise into your cancer treatment plan.
Exercise Physiology
Exercise Physiology is an allied health profession, specialising in using exercise & movement, in conjunction with behaviour change and disease education to improve quality of life, reduce pain & rehabilitate injuries, and treat chronic health conditions.
Exercise Physiology comes into play with cancer as it is associated with significantly improved outcomes during and following cancer treatment. Regular and appropriate exercise is also useful in the prevention of developing cancer.
What are some of the Benefits of incorporating Exercise Physiology with your cancer treatment plan?
Reduce Cancer-Related Fatigue
One of the most common side effects of cancer treatment is cancer-related fatigue. This fatigue can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life, making even simple daily activities a challenge. However, studies have shown that exercise can help reduce cancer-related fatigue, improve physical function and quality of life. By incorporating both aerobic and resistance training exercises into your treatment plan, you can help reduce cancer-related fatigue and improve your overall well-being.
Maintain Strength and Physical Function
Similar to challenges in fatigue during these treatments, reduction in strength and physical function is quite common for individuals going through chemotherapy & radiation. This can occur due to not being as physical active, and also due to the demands of these treatments on the body. By exercising regularly during Chemo & Radiation, you are able to maintain better strength and physical function, reduce other side affects as mentioned below, and also prevent further physical decline. By doing so, you can maintain bone strength and prevent falls!
Improve Chemo & Radiation Therapies Effectiveness
Did you know that when exercise is completed appropriately, it increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. What does this mean? If you exercise at the right intensity and volume, the chemo or radiation will eliminate your cancer more accurately and precisely, improving effectiveness and increasing health outcomes, and speeding up your recovery.
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can have toxic effects on your body, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease. However, regular exercise can help reduce this risk and improve your cardiovascular health. Exercise programs that incorporate both aerobic and resistance training have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve overall cardiovascular function.
Reduce Depression and Anxiety
Cancer can have a significant impact on a patient’s mental health, leading to depression and anxiety. Exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve mood, and increase self-esteem. Regular exercise can provide a sense of control and empowerment, helping cancer patients feel more positive and confident.
Improve Survival Rates
Regular exercise has been found to improve survival rates in certain types of cancer. For example, breast cancer patients who engage in regular exercise after their diagnosis have been found to have a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence and a lower risk of death from breast cancer. Similarly, colon cancer patients who engage in regular exercise have a lower risk of death from colon cancer and a lower risk of death from all causes.
Overall Health and Well-Being
In addition to its benefits in cancer treatment, exercise can also improve overall health and well-being in cancer survivors. Many cancer survivors are at risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes due to the toxic effects of cancer treatment. Regular exercise can reduce this risk and improve overall health and quality of life in cancer survivors.
Summary
Exercise Physiology can be an invaluable complimentary therapy to traditional cancer treatments. Incorporating exercise into your treatment plan can help reduce cancer-related fatigue, improve cardiovascular health, reduce depression and anxiety, improve survival rates, and improve overall health and well-being.
Working with a qualified exercise physiologist or physical therapist can help you develop an exercise program that is safe, effective, and tailored to your individual needs and abilities. So, if you’re a cancer patient or survivor, consider incorporating exercise into your treatment plan and start reaping the many benefits of exercise physiology for cancer treatment today.
If you’re ever not sure how to get started, give our friendly client experience team a call, & we will provide some direction over the phone. Simply call 1300 364 262 today.