Exercise During and After Cancer Treatment
Exercise is an integral part of cancer rehab, it not only helps you to recover and get back to fitness after surgery and treatment but it also has many benefits in particular it can help to prevent reoccurrence. Studies have shown that doing the minimum amount of exercise a week, 2.5 hours both before and after being diagnosed with breast cancer is linked to better survival and lower reoccurrence rates.
Current Exercise Guidelines
The current guidelines for exercise are at least 2.5 hours to 5 hours of exercise at moderate intensity per week; brisk walking is considered moderate intensity or 75 minutes to 2.5 hours of exercise at vigorous intensity per week; running or other high-intensity cardio is considered vigorous intensity.
In a recent study they found that women who did their recommended allowance of exercise had a 55% lower risk of reoccurrence and 68% lower chance of dying compared to people who didn’t exercise. Study linked below.
Exercise During Chemotherapy
Many studies have also shown that exercise during chemotherapy or radiation therapy or both helps to ease treatment fatigue, anxiety and depression, improving quality of life and maintaining strength and physical function. In some studies, they have found exercise may make chemotherapy more effective. It can also help your body tolerate more aggressive treatment in some cases if you are fit and strong before starting treatment.
Exercise can also help to reduce the symptoms of fatigue, the side effects of cancer treatments and improve balance, stamina and co-ordination. In breast cancer specifically exercise can be extremely beneficial to restore normal movement post-surgery, decrease pain and decrease the risk of lymphoedema.
How to get Started
Getting started is often the hardest part about exercising during or after cancer treatment. While you may feel like you don’t have the energy to start it is important to try even a few minutes of exercise initially. It is always important to seek advice from a medical professional who specialises in cancer rehab before starting an exercise programme to set you up on the right path. Some tops tips for starting are:
Set clear goals
Exercise when energy levels are high
Keep your routine flexible
Stay consistent and be patient.
Getting back to fitness after cancer treatment takes time but the benefits are so great it is essential it is a vital part of your life during and after treatment.
Resource:
Physical Activity Before, During, and After Chemotherapy for High-Risk Breast Cancer
Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic, we have a team of chartered physiotherapists who are dedicated to helping patients in their cancer recovery. If you, or anyone you know are struggling to function at the level you were prior to treatment, do not hesitate to get in contact.
*Please note - There is currently no online booking system for this service, please get in contact if you are interested in this service.
Cancer Rehabilitation
Breast cancer rehab is an important part of recovery following diagnosis and treatment of Breast Cancer. We have trained PINC programme therapist specialists