HAS CANCER CHANGED THE WAY YOU FEEL?

Are you fatigued? Do you feel anxious? Are you sleeping well? Do you feel depressed? Have you lost strength?

Are you nauseated? Are everyday activities tiring? Do you have pain? Are your joints stiff? Do you feel isolated?

I HAVE CANCER…Why should I exercise?

“Exercising may be one of the best things you can do for yourself during and after your cancer treatment. Remaining active during this period was key for me in getting through metastatic testicular cancer in the best possible shape,both physically and mentally. In fact, I firmly believe that my exercise program – specially designed to accommodate my treatments and resulting change in physical ability – got me into the mental and physical condition that was necessary for me to be able to win the Tour de France”
– Lance Armstrong

Research

Recent studies have concluded overwhelmingly that exercise has a positive effect on cancer patients overall health and well being. Exercise can relieve fatigue, nausea, depression, anxiety, and help manage pain or sleep issues.

Research conducted at Penn State University by Dr. Andrea Mastro, Professor of Microbiology, has found that as a result of a regular program of exercise, patients “immune functions improved, treatment causing inflammations decreased, infection fighting T-cells were boosted, and lymphocytes (which combat cancer) were replaced more quickly.” Additional results showed improvements in various physical functions such as overall strength, endurance, bone health, flexibility, and oxygen intake.

Being diagnosed with cancer and then progressing through the treatment process can be a difficult road to navigate not only physically but also emotionally. What we do know is that movement-i.e. exercise-can not only reduce the side effects of standard treatments but greatly improve the overall quality of life for people with cancer. Meeting in a group environment with other people going through the same process is therapeutic emotionally. Members of these groups have shown that when the shock and fear fade they often lead to a new intensity for life, a passion to pursue excellence for their own wellbeing along with the ability to “not sweat the small stuff”.

So why just sit? Exercise is not just an effective tool to look better in a swimsuit. Exercise is essential to maintaining life and vitality.