Can exercise help to avoid cancer? The 4th of February was World Cancer Day, and research has shown that being active helps prevent people against colon, lung, breast, prostate, and endometrial cancers, among other things.

Obesity and weight gain are associated with an increased risk of certain malignancies. Although exercise may not be considered a preventative measure in other malignancies, it has been demonstrated to improve the risk factors connected with the illness. Physical activity boosts immunity and helps in the healing process.

How Exercise Helps Cancer Patients

People who were being treated or recuperating from cancer were traditionally advised to rest, recoup, and limit their activity. However, this causes further loss of bone and muscle strength, endurance, stamina, and general mobility, delaying the rehabilitation process. Restrictive mobility is also a major cause of depression in remission patients.

Exercise is not only practical and safe for individuals in treatment, but it also improves mental perspective and quality of life, according to research. The advantages of exercise include:

• Muscle mass maintenance
• Muscular strength and endurance improvement
• Balance and coordination have improved.
• It alleviates weariness, nausea, and sadness.
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes
• Walking at a fast pace for 3 to 5 hours per week has been found in studies to reduce breast cancer recurrence by 50%.
• Cardiorespiratory fitness has been found to protect against the development and progression of breast cancer following diagnosis.

How can cancer patients exercise?

• Before commencing an exercise program with a personal trainer, people with cancer should consult with their doctor.
• The patients must start cautiously and advance gradually, focusing on time rather than intensity.
• Depending on the patient’s health and reaction to therapy, the intensity must be mild to moderate.
• When the cancer is in remission, the person can engage in more strenuous activities.
• Warm-ups and cool-downs are critical for maintaining the range of motion.

Remember

1. Those who are anemic should not exercise without a doctor’s authorization, and if they do, they should exercise at a very moderate level.
2. Clients with low white blood cell counts and those using medications that may impair their ability to fight infections should avoid public gyms and instead exercise at home.
3. People should not exercise within 2 hours of receiving chemotherapy or radiation because enhanced circulation may interfere with the effects of the treatment.

• Do you think there are misconceptions regarding cancer and exercise?

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