GenesisCare considers exercise to be an important component of your treatment plan. This maybe a surprise considering that, historically, doctors advised cancer patients to rest during treatment.1 However, research now shows that physical activity can influence cancer outcomes and play a pivotal role in cancer survivorship.1
There is evidence to show that exercise may be performed during and after your cancer treatment.1 Regardless of whether you’re having therapy like radiation or chemotherapy.1 However, you should speak to your doctor about how you may incorporate exercise in an appropriate way into your cancer journey.
Why exercise following a cancer diagnosis?
There is evidence to suggest that following a cancer diagnosis an appropriately prescribed exercise program may have positive benefits on the body and overall quality-of-life.1
Research in people with cancer has shown that exercise may:
- help manage fatigue, which may be a side-effect of radiation and chemotherapy2,3
- help prevent, reduce, and sometimes reverse the side-effects of hormone therapy4
- reduce the severity of anxiety and improve mood2
- improve immune function5
- reduce fat gain and improve body composition6
- improve strength and reduce fatigue7
- preserve bone mass4
- improve balance4
- maintain general physical function3
- reduce duration of hospitalisation8
Recurrence, progression, and survival
The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. Everyone benefits from exercise, regardless of age, sex, or physical ability.9 Exercise may help prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns.10 Research has also shown that physical activity may be associated with a reduced likelihood of developing certain cancers.11
