Let’s Talk About Fitness During Cancer Treatments

The treatment routine isn’t easy.  Side effects, bureaucracy, pressure and anxiety.  All these will affect your quality of life.

In recent weeks, there has been a lot of talk within Belong about what we – the patients, can do to help maintain a good quality of life while undergoing a tiring treatment regime, and sometimes even boosting the treatment effectiveness.

Nutrition is one facet relating to this subject, which we will discuss in “Belong Wisdom” in the weeks to come, however now, we will be talking about physical exercise and the importance of continuing your fitness routine during your treatment routine.

“Proof that regular exercise increases the chance of survival in prostate cancer.  According to an American study of 10,000 men between the ages of 50 and 93 who were diagnosed with prostate cancer from 1992 to 2011. These are men with local prostate cancer only. The main findings indicate that men who exercised more frequently before diagnosis had a 30% lower chance of death. ”

from a study recently featured in Belong which highlights the importance of physical activity

This is a perfect example which demonstrates the importance of activity.

Belong users reported the following when talking about the effect of exercise as part of their routine:

  • Decrease in pain.
  • Less neuropathy.
  • Easier to deal with fatigue.
  • Increased energy between treatment cycles.
  • Improved appetite.

In the “Side-effects & pain care” group, several patients have talked about the fatigue and pain that have become part of several treatments.  Few patients have reported that a physical activity routine has improved their overall feeling.  Be it walking, swimming or any other type of activity.  Few patients even mentioned a relief with various symptoms such as neuropathy and pain thanks to physical activity.

Physical activity, according to testimonials within Belong, doesn’t occur only at the gym or on the track.  It can sometimes happen while waiting for treatment and during treatment.  And it doesn’t really require a lot of effort.  Some facilities offer small weights, portable steppers and pedal exercisers. You should check out if the facility you are treated at has anything to offer.

Not many people are aware of the fact that many hospitals provide free of charge services in the form of integrative complementary counseling to cancer patients and help them adjust their exercise routine to their treatment.  It is worth looking into it at the facility you are being treated at.

You should of course consult with your doctor prior to starting any type of activity to make sure it doesn’t pose a health risk or affect your treatment negatively.

This content is provided for your general education and information only. It does not necessarily reflect Belong’s views and opinions. Belong does not endorse or support any specific product, service, or treatment.

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