What effect will cancer have on exercise?
Depending on the
stage of cancer and what treatment the individual has undergone they can
experience some physical limitations when it comes to exercise. For example
tumours in the lungs can result in breathlessness, pain is common for cancer in
the musculoskeletal system; seizures can be a side effect when tumours are
affecting the central nervous system and brain; and anaemia is common when the
bone marrow is affected.
Certain side effects
of treatments may impact exercise, but may also be a reason for continuing
exercise. For example, some treatments may cause pain, fatigue, weight loss or
gain, nerve damage, loss of flexibility or bone loss. Exercise can help
decrease the severity of the side effects from these treatments.
The benefit of exercise:
Many studies have
shown the benefit of individualised prescribed exercise programs during cancer
treatment and recovery. For people going through cancer treatment the main goal
is the maintain strength, endurance and a level of independent functioning. For
cancer survivors, exercise has the goal of returning them to their previous
level of functioning within society.
Benefits of
exercise:
· Reduced levels of
fatigue
|
· Less side effect
severity
|
· Improved body
satisfaction
|
· Improved fitness
levels (aerobic capacity)
|
· Maintenance of
body weight
|
· Higher quality of
life
|
· Improved mood,
reduced levels of depression
|
· Improved balance,
bone remodelling and reduced muscle weakness
|
· Improved shoulder
range of motion; especially for those receiving treatment of the upper limb
and chest region where muscle and skin can tighten in response to some forms
of treatment
|
· Improved
flexibility & strength
· A greater sense of
control
|
