The Benefits That Exercise Has to Offer For Cancer Patients and Survivors

Hey Everyone! The Gods know I need to take this article and seriously apply it to my daily life. It's a great read! Thanks David.


The Benefits That Exercise Has to Offer For Cancer Patients and Survivors

Everyone knows that exercise is good for the mind and body, but studies now show that it may also improve the wellbeing and recovery efforts of those with cancer or those who have survived it. While exercise may not be a sole cure for cancer or its reoccurrence, it is shown to improve overall results.

There is no denying that exercise and fitness can make a positive impact on the quality of life for those with cancer or have survived cancer. Recent studies have shown that being overweight after cancer treatment is linked with a shorter survival time and poses a higher risk for the cancer to return. Obviously, the benefits of exercise are numerous and will help cancer patients to maintain their weight and combat fatigue. Exercise will also help a patient to regain muscle mass that had been replaced with fat, improving overall health and self-image issues. In addition, exercise may improve flexibility, balance, and overall weakness that may have been the result of a surgery or other limitation. The emotional toll of cancer is high, so it is important that patients are able to return to their previous ways of life as soon as they are physically capable.

No matter what type of cancer a patient has encountered, from common cancers like breast cancer to a rare disease like mesothelioma, exercise is important to implement into a daily routine to help speed recovery. The American Cancer Society recommends that the general public participate in 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week, but cancer patients and survivors should design their routine according to their individual needs. A doctor or other medical professional may assist with these plans. Generally, various aerobic and weight training exercises should be implemented and it is recommended to start slowly so that the body can build energy and adjust over time.

The stress and depression that coincide with a cancer diagnosis will naturally slow down most cancer patients. However, it is important not to fall into this trap and find a way to maintain physical fitness and healthy weight levels so that the illness can be fought more effectively and kept from reoccurring once it is gone. Exercise is not an ultimate cancer treatment, but it will combat the factors that are associated with a cancer reoccurrence. As always, consult a doctor before implementing a new exercise routine, as cancer patients may possess a higher risk of developing heart and other health problems.

By: David Haas
http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/