Best Exercise For Cancer Patients

Best exercises for cancer patients are rare but available. Physical activity and proper diet are crucial for good health in the long term. The role of physical exercises in preventing diseases like cancer and heart ailments is fairly well-known.

What is not equally well-known is that exercising can also be of great benefit to cancer patients. Alongside the mainCancer Treatmentprocedures likeChemotherapyor surgery, several other aspects like dieting and exercising can be included as part of IntegratedCancer Treatment.

Also Read: The Impact of Exercise on Cancer Rehabilitation

Various research works have indicated that incorporating physical activity into cancer care can help increase the chances of recovery^.A study onBreast Cancerpatients has shown that certain exercises may trigger apoptosis or death of cancer cells.

Depending on the type of cancer, the cancer symptoms, the stage, and other aspects of the individual's health, certain types of exercises can help to control the spread of cancer and aid in overall recovery. Read on to find out the broad categories of exercises one can do while undergoingCancer Treatment. For more specific exercises and their duration, it is best to consult a doctor before embarking on an exercise routine.

The best exercise for cancer patients

Coming to the best types of exercise for cancer patients, check out the below points:

• Aerobic Exercises

Aerobic exercise refers to a category of low to high-intensity rhythmic exercises that improve cardiovascular and muscular strength. Its benefits for an overall healthy life cannot be overemphasized. However, little known is the fact that limited aerobic workouts can also help cancer patients in their recovery.

For instance, a study indicates that aerobic exercise may benefitLymphomapatients without interfering with the treatment procedure. Aerobic training also helps in the prevention of cancer and other diseases.

While a person undergoing Cancer Treatment may not have the capacity to do intense workouts for long durations, short durations of exercise are feasible, depending on the specific conditions and the doctor's advice. Most researchers recommend a 30-minute moderate aerobic activity about 3 times a week for cancer patients. Even simple activities like walking are beneficial and can be done even shortly after a Surgery or treatment procedure.

• Strength-related Exercises

Strength training is another type of exercise for cancer patients. It is a type of exercise that focuses on building the strength of skeletal muscles and bones. It is done with the help of weight instruments like dumbbells and kettlebells. Experts recommend the inclusion of moderate strength training exercises in the daily routine of cancer patients.

Due tocancer treatmentprocedures likechemotherapy, an individual's bone density tends to decrease. Strength training can minimize the loss of bone density to a great extent. However, strength or weight exercises must be done by cancer patients only after proper consultation with the doctor orcancer care provider.

• Balancing Exercises

Similar to strength exercise, balance exercise also helps cancer patients minimize the impact of bone density decline due tochemotherapy. Balance workouts are thus recommended by experts to maintain the strength and mass of bones.

Simple balance exercises like tightrope walk or flamingo stand (balancing on one foot while stretching the other for a few seconds) can be done by anyone, including ones undergoingcancer treatment.

• Stretching Exercises

Even if one is too weak to perform any of the above categories of exercise, simple stretching exercises can be done to regain muscle strength and mobility. This is particularly beneficial for those who have undergoneSurgeryand need to overcomePainand immobility in a certain part of the body.

For instance, those who undergo mastectomy or relatedSurgeryforBreast Cancercan regain shoulder strength through simple stretching exercises like wall stretch.

The best exercise for cancer patients to aid treatment

It is fairly established by experts that alongside the regular treatment procedure, lifestyle changes also play a role in a successful Cancer Treatment plan. This should be topped up with practising some of the best types of exercise for cancer patients.

Also Read: Exercise Is The Best Medicine For Cancer Patients & Everyone Else

The importance of supportive andpalliative care cannot be taken lightly. Physical exercises of certain durations and moderate intensity can significantly help cancer patients in this regard. Before starting any exercise routine during or after cancer treatment, it is always best to consult one's doctor or cancer care provider to chalk out the most suitable exercise plan depending on the specific conditions

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Reference:

1. Mustian KM, Sprod LK, Janelsins M, Peppone LJ, Mohile S. Exercise Recommendations for Cancer-Related Fatigue, Cognitive Impairment, Sleep problems, Depression, Pain, Anxiety, and Physical Dysfunction: A Review. Oncol Hematol Rev. 2012;8(2):81-88. doi: 10.17925/ohr.2012.08.2.81. PMID: 23667857; PMCID: PMC3647480.
2. Rajarajeswaran P, Vishnupriya R. Exercise in cancer. Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol. 2009 Apr;30(2):61-70. doi: 10.4103/0971-5851.60050. PMID: 20596305; PMCID: PMC2885882.