Cancer is among the top leading causes of death worldwide, and its prevalence continues to increase. Despite advancements in cancer treatment, patients still struggle with the physical and emotional toll it takes on their bodies.
Exercise has long been encouraged as a non-pharmacological approach to mitigating the effects of cancer, with studies showing that it can improve the mood, quality of life, and survival rates of patients. This article explores the impact of exercise on fighting cancer.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a disease that occurs when the cells in the body grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a mass or tumor. There are different types of cancer depending on the part of the body affected by the abnormal cells.
Some of the common types include lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and skin cancer.
How Does Exercise Help Fight Cancer?
Exercise has numerous benefits that can help fight cancer. Some of these benefits include:.
- Improved immune system function: Cancer cells can weaken the immune system and make it challenging for the body to fight the disease. Exercise helps strengthen the immune system by increasing the number of natural killer cells, T cells, and B cells that can destroy cancer cells and other pathogens in the body.
- Reduced inflammation: Inflammation in the body can compromise the immune system’s ability to fight cancer by creating a favorable environment for cancer cells to thrive. Exercise reduces inflammation in the body, which can help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.
- Increased survival rates: Exercise has been shown to increase survival rates in patients with cancer. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that breast cancer patients who engaged in regular physical activity had a 34% lower risk of dying from the disease compared to those who were inactive.
- Improved quality of life: Cancer and its treatment can take a significant toll on a patient’s physical and emotional well-being. Exercise can improve the mood, reduce fatigue, and boost energy levels, improving a patient’s quality of life.
- Reduced risk of recurrence: Exercise has been found to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in patients who have undergone treatment. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that colon cancer survivors who engaged in regular physical activity had a 42% lower risk of recurrence compared to those who were inactive.
What Types of Exercise are Best for Fighting Cancer?
While any form of physical activity is beneficial for cancer patients, some types of exercise are more effective than others. These include:.
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- Aerobic exercise: Activities that increase the heart rate and breathing, such as walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming, are effective forms of aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise has been linked to increased survival rates and improved quality of life in cancer patients.
- Strength training: Resistance training using weights or resistance bands can help build and maintain muscle mass, which can improve a patient’s physical function and quality of life. Strength training can also aid in weight management, which is critical for cancer patients.
- Yoga: Yoga involves a combination of physical poses, breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises that can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common in cancer patients. Studies have shown that yoga can improve the quality of life and reduce fatigue and stress in cancer patients.
How Much Exercise is Enough?
The amount of exercise a cancer patient needs can vary depending on their physical condition and the stage of the disease.
The American Cancer Society recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, spread throughout the week. However, cancer patients may need to start slowly and gradually increase their exercise as they build up endurance.
It is essential to work with a healthcare provider or a qualified exercise professional to develop a safe and effective exercise program.
Conclusion
Exercise is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. It can improve the immune system function, reduce inflammation, increase survival rates, and improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
While any form of physical activity is beneficial, aerobic exercise, strength training, and yoga have been found to be the most effective. Cancer patients should work with their healthcare providers to develop a safe and appropriate exercise program that meets their needs and abilities to reap the benefits of exercise.
