Importance of the Physical Activity for Cancer Patients and Survivors
By Patricia Kaim
Exercise is particularly good before, during and after chemotherapy because it can increase the quality of life and even prevent other risks. Being active can still be a powerful way to feel much better. It has been proven that exercise helps to cope with breast cancer treatment and its side effects (i.e., fatigue, nausea, weight gain, osteoporosis, lymphedema), improves mental health (i.e., decreases stress, anxiety, depression promoting a positive mindset), strengthens the heart and bone health, among others. Physical activity reduces the risk of cancer coming back.
Chemotherapy is not an excuse to drift away from physical activity. It is true that a patient will have to consult with his/her health care professional to understand what is convenient for her/his age, stage, physical health, and type of treatment. Some types of activities may be a better fit than others. There are also occupational and physical therapists who specialize in breast cancer and are available to provide support; thus, ask your health care professional for a referral.
During my breast cancer treatment (2013), I decided to exercise every day for at least 40 minutes after consulting with my health care team. Walking on the treadmill was very helpful during chemotherapy. Consistency is key! However, each body is different, be patient with yourself, take breaks, and listen to your body. Some days exercise may sound good. Some days it won’t but still both are OK. Do not push yourself while you are going through treatment.
Exercise provides more energy. Studies have shown that at least 70% of the chemotherapy patients had less energy than most people. If you stay in bed, you’ll feel more tired but if at least you try, you’ll see the results in the short term. Many physicians agree that exercise helps to diminish the effects of chemotherapy such as stomachache and nausea. It also reduces anxiety and improves self-esteem. After finishing the treatment, it is advisable to also continue exercising to reduce the risks of a reoccurrence. It is also important to start slowly and build up the activities over time.
If you don’t like to exercise, you can include other activities in your daily routine. For example, using the stairs instead of taking the elevator, walking the dog at least twice a day, walking to the supermarket, cleaning the house, sitting less and standing more. If you are in bed, you can also do some exercises as moving the legs, arms, and waist. In the past, I used to go to the gym every day and felt particularly good and healthy, but I was so busy at work in 2010-2012 that lost the routine and that also impacted my health.
However, during my first cancer diagnosis, I reconsidered everything again. I joined a fitness club after my surgery; this place offered all kinds of activities including yoga, gym, and had a nice swimming pool. I decided to start yoga classes slowly. I felt more relaxed and at peace after each yoga class. Yoga was powerful and amazing during my recovery process after the surgery.
“You have the power to transform your life. Take care of yourself because at the end of the day, you’re all you’ve got. ”
Nowadays, I have a physical trainer, I exercise more often, walk in nature, and spend 45 minutes in the swimming pool at least 3 times per week. Yoga and meditation help me to connect with my soul and my spirit, to get closer to my essence. Choose an activity that makes you feel well, complete, but also one that truly helps you. If being outdoors inspires you, spend time outside! If not, consider trying exercise videos. You could also find a workout buddy or invest in an app to track your progress.
If we talk about the benefits of exercising, it is necessary to consider the following recommendations before commencing a routine during or after the chemotherapy or other treatments:
Don’t exercise without consulting with your health care provider.
After surgery, ask when you can begin exercising again. Don’t force your body if it does feel well. Many people feel well enough to go for a short walk a few days after surgery, but others need longer to rest depending on the surgery, especially if lymph nodes were removed or after breast reconstruction. Build your activity levels up gradually. Be patient with yourself and always ask your health care provider for advice.
Avoid exercising after the chemotherapy infusions, you may feel too tired to conduct the slightest physical activity.
Start slowly, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
If you jog or exercise outside, don’t go alone or at least take your mobile phone with you in case you need to call a friend or family member.
Don’t exercise if you feel unwell. Sometimes you need a couple of days to recover and then retake your daily routine.
Eat something before exercising. Maintain a balanced diet to support your energy levels, as well.
Keep your body hydrated when exercising.
Before using a machine, clean it with disinfectant wipes and wash your hand with water afterwards. Avoid touching your mouth.
Be consistent with your exercise routine to maximize benefits.
Keep your exercise program simple and fun (i.e., yoga, meditation, reiki, dancing, tai chi) and try different and creative things.
Use a fitness journal or tracker to record progress and celebrate your achievements! Keep track of your feelings after each activity to figure out what works best for you.
Talk to your health care team about any activities you would like to do while you’re having treatment. Certain things could impact your ability to exercise during treatment such as type of cancer, treatment, type of surgery, strength, and fitness level before or during treatment.
Questions for the oncologist or the radiologist oncologist:
What type of exercise do you recommend during chemotherapy/radiotherapy?
Is there any reason why I shouldn’t exercise?
Are there any specific activities that I should avoid?
What precautions should I take after radiotherapy?
Questions for the surgeon after surgery:
When can I begin working out?
Which activities would you recommend?
Can I swim or go to the sauna?
Which activities should I avoid?
Questions for the physical therapist:
Which precautions should I take to minimize lymphedema?
Should I continue practicing the recommended exercises during radiotherapy?
Will I need additional physical therapy after surgery or radiotherapy?
After surgery I would recommend consulting with your oncologist or plastic surgeon to define when will be appropriate to begin any physical activity. Breast cancer treatments such as radiation and surgery can cause pain and tightness in your arm and shoulder or even suffer from lymphedema. Gentle stretches or moving your arms back and forth as you walk will strengthen those areas; a physical therapist can be a great support during this process.
Staying active during and after cancer treatment is essential. Exercise can help reduce side effects, enhance both physical and mental health, and improve overall quality of life. After treatment, maintaining an active lifestyle is even more vital to lower the risk of recurrence and other diseases. It’s important to raise awareness about the benefits of exercise among cancer patients, healthcare providers, and the public in general. Providers should engage patients in discussions about their physical activity levels and be prepared to offer more resources, guidance, and referrals to appropriate exercise programs. More training programs and resources are required to serve both cancer patients and survivors; the time is now to gain additional support from our communities, and/or other organizations to build additional high-quality programs, develop training materials that could also be available and accessible to everyone.
