Exercise and Cancer

This was sent to me by David Haas... Please read !
Surviving Cancer and the Benefits of Physical Activity

Aside from diet and substance avoidance, exercise is one of the leading contributors to good health. When most of us think exercise, we think of preventing obesity that leads to heart disease and physical discomfort; however, many of us neglect to associate more complex prevention issues such as cancer. Exercise has many holistic advantages that improve health both prior to and during physical illness. In regards to cancer recovery, development of an exercise regimen has been seen to improve both the physical and mental wellbeing of the patient. Most cancer therapies cause sleep disturbance, depression, pain, nausea, anxiety, and swelling that are all contributed to by the worst side affect of all, extreme fatigue. Typical treatments such as radiation therapy decrease immune function, which forces the body to use of other energy resources to power its depleted defense functions. This can result in less energy being available to power one's daily physical functions, leaving them exhausted throughout the course of treatment. Despite the fact that these adverse consequences are a cancer reality, many of them can be improved or avoided by beginning a physical exercise regimen early on in treatment. Even the simplest of activities can help to preserve strength, energy, cardiovascular endurance, and immunity that will lessen the negative effects of the treatment. Exercising can also assist in improving metabolism, regulating appetite, reducing pain, lessening nausea, and ridding the body of by-products resulting from required medications. Not only does exercise improve physical symptoms but it also reduces psychological complications that can have a debilitating impact on the immune system. Exercise boosts endorphins that relieve tension, increase socialization, and reduce depression associated with such trying circumstances. Physical activity is truly an ideal tool for all different types of cancer whether one is suffering through a breast cancer diagnosis or undergoing a mesothelioma treatment.

Even though physical activity is suggested by many oncologists, and has proven beneficial, one must contain their activity to a level suited for their current stamina. Jumping into a vigorous exercise regimen often only causes more damage. It is best to start slow and gradually push forward toward more demanding exercise as your health improves. Dance to the radio, take a walk, or take the stairs, no matter what you choose to do you’ll be sure to feel the benefits and are likely to remember a bit about why life is something you’ve have fought for.


Hi Maxine,
Thanks so much for your consideration and compassion! The article attached, which I recently completed, is about the benefits of fitness and eating healthy during and after a diagnosis of any kind of cancer. Each different cancer has its limitations, but if one can keep a healthy body, they can have a better chance to overcome this awful disease. I have linked to reputable sources and studies in this field and tailored the article to your blog. Please let me know if you are able to post the article so I can shout it out from my twitter and facebook following in order to give your site more traffic. Thanks so much for the help and all you do for these people,