Should patients with cancer exercise? If this were a few decades ago, the answer would be no. However, in today’s modern age of medicine, the answer is a resounding yes!
Incorporating physical activity and targeted exercise into cancer management programs is crucial as it promotes cancer prevention, rehabilitation, and survival.
Numerous studies conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology have verified the beneficial association between exercise and lowering the risk of cancer, mitigating the side effects of treatment, accelerating recovery, increasing the chances of survival, and lowering the risk of comorbid conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
In fact, research indicates that one of the finest things that cancer patients may do in addition to their usual therapy is to exercise. This is so that some of the frequent adverse effects of cancer and cancer treatments can be reduced or even completely avoided through exercise.
This measure of adjunctive care is called Exercise Oncology.
In this blog post, we will provide you with a brief overview of this care approach including what it is, the science behind it, and its benefits.
We will also discuss how you can integrate exercise in cancer care and highlight a few success stories to inspire action. Whether you are a cancer patient, survivor, physician, or fitness expert, this blog is for you. Let’s get started!
What is Exercise Oncology?
Exercise Oncology is the study of the involvement of physical activity in cancer prevention, treatment, and survival. It entails recommending customized exercise regimens to cancer patients in accordance with their unique needs, treatment plan, and diagnosis.
Exercise Oncology Programs strive to improve treatment outcomes, manage adverse effects associated with treatment, improve quality of life, and increase general well-being through aerobic, strength, and flexibility activities.
This integrated method offers a supplemental plan to traditional cancer therapy in order to maximize patient care and survivability. It acknowledges the significant influence that exercise has on both physiological and psychological health.
Benefits of Exercise During Cancer Treatment
Exercise is healthy for us, as we all know, but research suggests that it is especially crucial for managing cancer.
This is due to the fact that people who exercise regularly had fewer and milder adverse effects from cancer therapies. Those who increase their physical activity after a cancer diagnosis may also be at a lower risk of cancer death and recurrence.
Here are some of the benefits that exercise may afford cancer patients and survivors:
- Enhanced well-being and overall quality of health
- Improved physical capabilities, endurance, and muscle strength
- Heightened vitality and reduced fatigue associated with cancer
- Improved lung capacity and decreased dyspnea
- Elevated mood and lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression
- Enhanced cardiac health and lowered risk of cardiac problems
- Enhanced bone mass and decreased risk of osteoporosis
- Enhanced joint suppleness and range of motion
- Improved equilibrium and a decreased risk of falling
Additionally, chemotherapy patients may experience less side effects and also report increased appetite, deeper and more restful sleep, better digestion and less constipation, and a greater sense of control over their lives.
These benefits can speed up your recuperation and lessen treatment-related negative effects like exhaustion, anxiety, despair, and weakened muscles. You may establish a healthy, active lifestyle and go back into daily life and work, with your coworkers, friends, and family, with the support of exercise and a balanced diet.
How Does Exercise Counteract Cancer?
While the exact cause of cancer is unknown, exercise has been shown to lower insulin and inflammatory markers, both of which are connected to certain tumors, according to research.
Additionally, exercise promotes angiogenesis, or the growth of new blood vessels, which may increase the amount of blood-driven anti-cancer medications that can reach malignant tumors.
Exercise may also increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Immune system performance also improves if the patient or survivor is following a well-regulated exercise regime. Exercise increases the circulation of immune cells that combat cancer, whereas cancer weakens the immune system. It might even contribute to more effective immunotherapy treatments.
Integrating Exercise in Cancer Care
To integrate Exercise Oncology into cancer therapy, you need a multidisciplinary approach, with exercise being a fundamental part of a treatment regime.
This can be achieved through the following:
Collaboration amongst Healthcare & Fitness Providers
To create comprehensive care plans that are customized to each patient’s needs, oncologists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and fitness experts need to work together. This guarantees that recommendations for exercise are in line with medical procedures and general health objectives. By collaborating with fitness centers that have individuals trained to work with cancer patients, healthcare providers can ensure continuum of care during survivorship.
Patient Empowerment and Education
Physicians should empower their patients to actively take care of their own health by teaching them about the advantages of exercise during cancer treatment and encouraging them to participate in such exercise programs for cancer. Without the right tools, direction, and encouragement, cancer patients and survivors may not be willing to make physical activity a regular part of their day.
Customized Exercise Prescriptions
To reduce risks and maximize the effectiveness of any exercise oncology program, physicians and fitness experts well-versed in working with cancer patients should create exercise plans based on the particular cancer type, course of treatment, level of fitness, and any underlying medical issues of each patient. Creating individual exercise prescriptions can be done by Certified Oncology Exercise Specialists, such as those employed by organizations like Maple Tree Cancer Alliance.
Monitoring and Assistance
The challenge with cancer patients and survivors is that their condition may be progressive one day, but regressive the next. This is why it is very important to keep a close eye on patients’ development and modify workout regimens as necessary. Continuous support and direction can help cancer patients and survivors to help them overcome obstacles and stick to their exercise program.
Community and Support Networks
Cancer recovery is an arduous journey, and patients are almost always looking to interact with fellow patients and survivors for morale. Thus, online communities, support groups like Livestrong, or community-based fitness initiatives such as Dragon Boat Racing designed specifically for cancer survivors can prove to be very beneficial for anyone in an exercise oncology program. This promotes consistency with workout routines, a sense of community, and social support.
Research and Advocacy
Last but not least, it is important to encourage continued studies to delve deeper into the advantages of exercise in oncology and push for its inclusion in accepted standards of treatment for patients with cancer. Producing proof and increasing awareness can help with broader adoption and widespread application of exercise as a supportive therapy in cancer treatment.
Integrating exercise oncology into cancer rehabilitation programs can help address functional limitations, increase mobility, and improve general physical function after cancer treatment.
The above-mentioned strategies can take healthcare professionals a long way ahead toward successfully including Exercise Oncology into cancer care, which will ultimately improve quality of life, treatment outcomes, and patient empowerment to participate actively in their own recovery.
Success Stories Highlighting The Impact of Exercise in Cancer
While the research backs up the impact that participating in exercise programs during your cancer treatment can have on your healing journey, we know people resonate with people.
This is why we have collected stories from cancer patients from different exercise programs across the US to show you how exercise has transformed their recovery, post their cancer treatment regimes.
- “Maple Tree has been able to help me gain my mobility and feeling back by strengthening my legs. I had trouble walking and being mobile. I couldn’t take myself to my appointments. I had to have my sister-in-law go with me. The program keeps me limber so I can function at home, such as cleaning, cooking, driving, and taking care of my cat. It also helped me emotionally and got my spirits up. I love the environment Maple Tree provides. It is very fun. I like that I get to socialize with the other trainers and patients, and I have even made friends here! I like that the sessions are one-on-one with the trainer, and they push me to do better. Lastly, I am so thankful that the program is free. I donate once a year, but I am so grateful that it is no cost to me and that I can keep coming here for free.”
— Bonnie, Cancer survivor at Maple Tree Cancer Alliance - “StrongerThruCancer has been an excellent program for me mentally and physically. I am undergoing radiation and chemo, which has been difficult, but the program has been gentle enough for my physical workout and mentally stimulating to give me hope. At first, I truly didn’t think I had the strength to join the class and participate. However, I was able to do the class and more. Now, I am even able to do some housework and other things because of the energy I gained from the program. Priscilla is an excellent teacher and can relate to where we stand. I am excited and looking forward to more classes. No pain and a lot of gain!”
— Doreen, Cancer patient with Multiple Myeloma at StrongerThruCancer - “After I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I wanted to do my best to take care of myself. Going to the gym during treatment wasn’t an option because I was too tired. It took me about three to four years after treatment to really start looking after myself and start going to the gym. I look forward to going to the gym now and the goodness I receive from exercise. I feel like I’m catching up on what I was missing out on! I feel so much more energized. I do what I get enjoyment out of, like swimming and aqua aerobics. Now I look at myself and can say, ‘You feel good, and you look good!’ I have my down days where I don’t feel like exercising, but I try not to be too hard on myself when this happens.”
— Della, Cancer patient with Breast Cancer (from BreastCancerNow)
Make Exercise Your Best Friend in Your Cancer Healing Journey Today!
Exercising to enhance outcomes during cancer treatment is powerful. It restores control to the patient during a period when cancer has caused a loss of control. Patients will differ in how much physical activity they can tolerate. Exercising during cancer is not a “one-size-fits-all” strategy.
Your particular exercise plan will factor in your level of fitness, the type of cancer you have, the treatments you’re receiving, and the side effects you’re experiencing. This is why it is super important to consult your physician about what’s best for you, before you get going.
In conclusion, Exercise Oncology is a critical component of comprehensive cancer care that significantly impacts the psychological, emotional, and physical aspects of cancer recovery. Its effectiveness in improving treatment outcomes, controlling side effects, and raising the quality of life for cancer patients has been aptly demonstrated by thorough study and clinical experience.
The onus now lies on cancer physicians, oncology specialists, and fitness professionals to support this integrated strategy with their expertise and encourage the adoption and broader implementation of this adjunctive care measure. It is time to embrace the transformative potential of exercise oncology to reshape the cancer care landscape together.
