World Cancer Day on 4th February: These exercises can be beneficial for cancer survivors

Exercise will be the last thing on your mind if you are suffering from cancer or have taken treatment for it. But, do you know that it can help you gain muscle strength? We list out few exercises which can help cancer patients enhance their wellbeing.

Editorial Team | Updated: February 3, 2019 4:08 pm

Strength training can be good for cancer patients. © Shutterstock

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in the year 2018. The most common cancers are lung (2.09 million cases), breast (2.09 million cases), colorectal (1.80 million cases), prostate (1.28 million cases), skin cancer (non-melanoma) (1.04 million cases) and stomach (1.03 million cases). Furthermore, lack of physical activity is also one of the risk factors, says WHO. Hence, you should take care of yourself, if you have been diagnosed with cancer/ taking treatment/ post-treatment by staying physically fit.

Dealing and surviving cancer and making it through your treatment are major accomplishments. Various studies have suggested that exercise is not only safe and possible during and after your cancer treatment, but it can help you function better and enhance your quality of life. Reportedly, too much rest can lead to loss of body function, muscle weakness, and reduced range of motion. Owing to which many experts in the field are urging cancer patients to be physically active, during and after the treatment. But, if you experience pain, rapid heart rate, or shortness of breath then you should speak to your doctor about the right kind of exercise routine you must follow. Furthermore, many studies have examined the safety of physical exercise during and after cancer treatment. Some studies have also found that higher levels of physical activity are linked with a reduced risk of cancer coming back, and longer survival after a cancer diagnosis. We list out the benefits of exercising for cancer benefits and which exercises they should do on a regular basis.

Benefits of exercising
• It can eliminate your risk of heart disease
• It can enhance your balance and cut down your risk of falls and injuries
• It can help you keep stay away from osteoporosis(weak bones that are more likely to break)
• It can improve blood flow to your legs
• It can boost your self-esteem
• It can strengthen your immunity
• It can lower the risk of being anxious, stressed and depressed
• It can Lessen nausea and tiredness
• It can help you control your weight

The American Cancer Society recommends exercising at least 150 minutes per week by taking up part in regular physical activity. One should avoid inactivity and return to normal daily activities as soon as possible after diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer survivours can do these exercises:

Strength training
A study published in the Strength and Conditioning Journal found that exercise can ultimately help cancer survivors regain their ability to perform activities of daily living and improve quality of life. According to the American Cancer Society, one should include strength training exercises at least 2 days per week. Do you know that the most difficult thing about living with cancer and its treatments can be fatigue? Hence, strength training can significantly reduce fatigue in cancer patients. You will be able to enhance your muscle health and fight muscle loss which may occur can occur due to ageing. If you are suffering from cancer you will experience a lot of pain and this can hamper your mobility. And Losing muscle mass can worsen your mobility further. You will be able to increase flexibility and stay healthy.

Stretching

According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, physical activity may help cancer survivors live longer by reducing the risk of cancer recurrence or slowing cancer progression and reducing the risk of other life-threatening diseases including second primary cancers. So, you can try your hand at flexibility exercises like stretching. Stretching is essential to help you keep moving, maintain mobility and become flexible. So, take to your expert regarding the stretches you should opt for.

Aerobic exercises
You will be able to burn calories and lose weight if you do brisk walking, jogging, and swimming. Aerobic exercise may also help you build cardiovascular fitness, which can eliminate your risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.

Balancing exercises
You will be able to keep injuries and falls at bay if you do some balancing exercises. Doing heel raises and many other exercises can help. But, you should not do it alone. See to it that you do all the exercises under the guidance of your trainer. Avoid over-exercising.

Published: February 3, 2019 1:05 pm | Updated:February 3, 2019 4:08 pm

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