Physical activity has always been an essential aspect of maintaining good health. For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, engaging in physical activity has been proven to improve treatment outcomes.

Exercise has been shown to improve patients’ physical and psychological well-being and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. The drugs used in chemotherapy are designed to kill rapidly dividing cells, which include cancer cells.

However, they can also affect healthy cells that divide quickly, such as cells in the digestive tract, hair follicles, and blood cells. This can cause side effects that can range from mild to severe.

Why is Physical Activity Important for Cancer Patients?

Cancer patients who engage in physical activity can experience several benefits. It can help improve their physical and psychological well-being, which can contribute to better treatment outcomes.

Physical activity can improve overall fitness, cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and bone density.

Exercise can also help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. In some cases, it may even help prevent the recurrence of cancer.

Studies have shown that cancer patients who engage in regular physical activity have a lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to those who do not.

Types of Physical Activity for Cancer Patients

There are several types of physical activities that cancer patients can engage in. These include aerobic exercise, resistance training, and flexibility exercises.

Aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce fatigue. Resistance training, such as weight lifting, can help improve muscle strength and bone density. Flexibility exercises, such as yoga or stretching, can help improve range of motion and reduce stiffness.

Cancer patients should aim to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, as recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine.

They should also perform resistance training exercises at least twice per week and include flexibility exercises in their routine.

Benefits of Physical Activity During Chemotherapy

Physical activity during chemotherapy can provide several benefits for cancer patients. These include:.

Improved Physical and Psychological Well-being

Cancer patients who engage in physical activity during chemotherapy can experience improvements in their overall physical and psychological well-being. Physical activity can improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve sleep quality.

It can also improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and endurance, which can help combat the fatigue and weakness associated with chemotherapy.

Reduced Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can cause several side effects, including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Engaging in physical activity can help reduce these side effects. Exercise can help improve appetite, reduce nausea and vomiting, and combat fatigue.

It can also help improve overall energy levels and reduce the severity of side effects associated with chemotherapy.

Improved Quality of Life

Cancer patients who engage in physical activity during chemotherapy can experience improvements in their overall quality of life. Exercise can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase self-esteem.

It can also help patients maintain their independence and improve their ability to perform daily tasks.

Lower Risk of Cancer Recurrence

Cancer patients who engage in regular physical activity have a lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to those who do not. Exercise can help boost the immune system, which can help the body fight off cancer cells.

It can also help reduce the risk of developing other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, which can increase the risk of cancer recurrence.

Conclusion

Physical activity is an important aspect of maintaining good health and well-being.

For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, engaging in physical activity can provide several benefits, including improved physical and psychological well-being, reduced side effects of chemotherapy, improved quality of life, and a lower risk of cancer recurrence. However, cancer patients should consult with their healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program.