Why Cancer Survivors Should Exercise, Even When It's Hard

Analysis has shown that physical activity, including exercise, has a positive impact on the treatment and recovery of cancer survivors. Cancer survivors include both patients currently battling cancer and cancer survivors who have completed treatment and been declared cured.

A team of researchers from the University of British Columbia in Canada, in collaboration with BC Cancer and the Canadian Cancer Society, shared how exercise can help fight cancer and ways people can get involved.

 

Exercise is effective in alleviating fatigue, a common symptom after cancer treatment. The research team stated, "Exercising when you're tired may be the last thing you want to do, but exercise actually gives you more energy."

Exercise reduces anxiety and depression, alleviates post-surgical mobility difficulties, and improves quality of life and overall health. Studies have shown that cancer patients who exercise regularly are more likely to adhere to planned treatment, feel more confident in their jobs and household chores, and have better sleep quality than those who don't.

 

To increase exercise participation among cancer survivors, the research team recommends online programs, telephone health coaching, and in-person classes offered by the Canadian Cancer Society. Exercise programs led by experts can be tailored to each cancer type and individual's health status.

 

Cancer survivors are advised to engage in at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, three or more times a week. Once aerobic exercise becomes routine, strength training can be added twice a week. Afterward, the goal should be at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and two strength training sessions per week. Cancer patients should collaborate with their primary care physician, physical therapist, or exercise specialist to determine an exercise regimen appropriate for their individual health needs.

 

If regular exercise isn't possible, try to incorporate as much movement into your daily routine as possible. This can be as simple as brisk walking for five minutes every day, standing up from a chair several times a day, or dancing around the living room. Finding activities you enjoy and engaging in them with others can also be helpful.

 

 

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If the pain continues, depression seems to follow.

Even small actions are important

 

Walk briskly for 5 minutes every day,

Physical activity like dancing in the living room???

 

It's perfect if you turn on the TV and do it~~