After surviving cancer, health is a focal point in an individual’s life. With cancer threatening to return, it is important for an individual to eat healthy and get proper exercise. Kerry Courneya, PhD, professor and Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Cancer at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, explains, “Several recent studies suggest that higher levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of the cancer coming back, and a longer survival after a cancer diagnosis.”
Conversely, being overweight after chemotherapy has been linked to a higher risk of cancer recurrence. There is no set time after chemotherapy in which you should begin exercising.
Rather, a patient should exercise as soon as possible (with their doctor's okay, of course).
Cancer survivors understandably tend to slow down their normal activity in their daily lives.
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Here poses a problem because an individual will remain inactive until they make that leap to busy themselves again. Without exercise, one may fall victim to depression, stress and fatigue.
Just like it works for other adults, exercise strengthens muscles, makes the body lean and sheds weight for cancer survivors. Furthermore, exercise reduces fatigue, boosts self-confidence and improves an individual’s mood overall.
Here are some types of exercise that cancer survivors can start with on their journey to restoring their full health and maybe eventually becoming more fit than before.
Aerobic exercises: Start with walking. Increase your speed over time until you can jog. Then upgrade from jogging to running. Why not swim?! These exercises will force you to take deep breaths to get you to use your lungs to their fullest capacity. Naturally, the exercises help you burn calories and lose weight.
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Stretching: Stretching is imperial to maintaining your mobility. This will prepare you for any more physical exercises.
Lift Weights: Most cancer patients lose muscle while going through treatment. Start off with small weights until you prove to yourself that you can add weight.
The most important thing for a cancer survivor to remember while trying to reach a certain level of fitness is to listen to your body. Don’t push yourself too hard. If you’re tired, stop. You can always exercise more the next day.
As always, consult with your physician first before beginning an exercise program.
