Guest Post by blogger: David Haas

A good exercise routine, along with a healthy diet, is beneficial to a person’s health. Studies have shown that it can help reduce the risks of many diseases, including cancer. Research has also shown that exercise can be beneficial for individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue and improve overall fitness and health in cancer patients. It has been shown to increase the quality of life for individuals after diagnosis, in the middle of cancer treatments or those in remission. It helps the body stay stronger during and after therapies that tend to weaken the body.

Exercise is a good stress reliever and can improve a cancer patient’s overall mood. It can help an individual fight depression and anxiety that can be associated with a cancer diagnoses.

A physician should be consulted before any exercise plan is implemented. The type of cancer treatment, the stage the cancer has reached and the patient’s fitness level before a cancer diagnoses all play a role in the amount of exercise that will be suggested.

Different cancer types often have different fitness plans. For example, breast cancer treatments often cause weight gain and muscle loss around the shoulder areas, therefore, the focus may be on high-intensity cardiovascular exercises to help with weight control and weights that target strengthening shoulder muscles and surrounding areas.

Gastrointestinal cancer patients often lose weight and muscle mass, which makes building lean muscle a priority. Lung cancer or mesothelioma can cause lung limitations. A lung cancer and mesothelioma treatment plan may include moderate to low-impact exercises. Cancer patients often undergo surgeries or receive treatments that alter appearances. Exercise that helps to improve an individual’s body image after cancer treatments often improves quality of life.

Even after an exercise plan is implemented, a cancer patient should listen to their body. There will be good days and days that may be hard. Stretching or doing short intervals of exercise during the day can make it easier. Some yoga techniques or breathing exercises can help relieve stress without added exertion on days that are tough.

A fitness plan should be re-evaluated based on the changes in treatment and the healing or progression of the cancer. Research has not shown that exercise is a cancer cure, however, it is beneficial to the body’s overall health. Exercise and a healthy diet can help the body fight off other chronic diseases and improve overall wellbeing.

By: David Haas