The Role of Exercise During Cancer Treatment: Benefits and Precautions
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I was reading about how important exercise can be during cancer treatment, and honestly, it surprised me a bit. I mean, I always knew that staying active is important for overall health, but when you’re in the middle of something as intense as cancer treatment, like chemotherapy or radiation, the idea of working out seems a bit counterintuitive, right? I get it—you’re probably thinking, “I can barely get out of bed some days, how am I supposed to exercise?”
But here’s the thing: exercise can actually be super beneficial during cancer treatment. In fact, it’s been shown to help with everything from reducing treatment side effects to improving overall outcomes. Of course, it’s not a one-size-fits-all thing, and there are definitely some precautions to keep in mind. But let me break it down a bit for you.
The Benefits of Exercise During Cancer Treatment
Let’s dive deeper into the benefits of exercise during cancer treatment. While the idea of working out might feel daunting when you’re already dealing with so much, the science behind it is pretty compelling. The more we understand the positive effects that exercise can have on the body during treatment, the clearer it becomes how important it is to incorporate some form of movement into your daily routine.
1. Helps Manage Treatment Side Effects
One of the most remarkable things about exercise during cancer treatment is its ability to mitigate the negative side effects of treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Here’s how:
Fatigue: Cancer treatments often leave you feeling exhausted, but regular physical activity can help manage that fatigue. It might seem counterintuitive, but even light exercise can actually increase energy levels over time. Studies have shown that patients who engage in exercise during their treatment experience less fatigue compared to those who are sedentary. Exercise helps to improve circulation, which in turn boosts energy by helping the body more efficiently transport oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
Nausea and Vomiting: For some cancer treatments, nausea is a constant companion. However, gentle exercise, like walking or stretching, can help reduce nausea and improve overall comfort. It’s believed that exercise stimulates the digestive system and promotes endorphin production, which might help reduce those nauseous feelings.
Neuropathy (nerve pain): Some cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy, can cause neuropathy—nerve damage that leads to pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet. Engaging in light exercises can help alleviate some of the discomfort caused by neuropathy by improving circulation and maintaining muscle strength, which supports nerve health.
2. Improves Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
Let’s talk about the mental side of things because cancer treatment is as much about the mind as it is about the body. The stress, anxiety, and emotional toll of dealing with cancer can be overwhelming. Exercise offers several mental health benefits:
Reduces Anxiety and Depression: Exercise stimulates the production of “feel-good” hormones—like endorphins and serotonin—which can naturally lift your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. This is incredibly valuable during cancer treatment, when mental health can often be at a low point due to the stress of diagnosis and treatment.
Improves Sleep: Many cancer patients struggle with sleep, whether it’s due to treatment side effects or the emotional burden of the disease. Exercise, particularly during the day, can help regulate your sleep cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Better sleep means better recovery, both mentally and physically.
Promotes a Sense of Control: Cancer treatment often makes patients feel like their lives are out of their control. Engaging in physical activity allows you to regain some sense of agency. It’s a way to do something positive for yourself, and that feeling of taking control over your body and health can be empowering. It’s like taking a step toward normalcy when everything else feels uncertain.
3. Strengthens the Cardiovascular System
Cancer treatments can take a toll on your cardiovascular system, especially if you’re undergoing chemotherapy, which may affect heart health. Exercise helps maintain cardiovascular fitness, making it easier for your heart to handle the physical demands of treatment and daily activities. It supports heart health by improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, and strengthening the heart muscle. Plus, being physically active helps regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which is especially important for people who may be at higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases due to their cancer treatments.
4. Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight
Cancer treatments can cause changes in your metabolism and appetite. Some people experience weight loss due to a lack of appetite or nausea, while others might gain weight due to steroids or changes in their activity level. Exercise is one way to help maintain a healthy weight during treatment by promoting a balance between calories burned and consumed. It can also help manage the effects of steroid use, which can lead to weight gain.
Keeping your weight in check is important for overall health and recovery. Extra weight can strain the joints and cardiovascular system, while being underweight can affect your energy levels and immune function. Exercise helps strike a balance by preserving lean muscle mass and preventing fat gain.
5. Improves Musculoskeletal Health and Prevents Muscle Loss
Cancer treatments can lead to muscle weakness, loss of bone density, and decreased joint mobility, especially if you’re not staying active. The combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation can make muscles weaker and cause bones to lose density, increasing the risk of fractures or osteoporosis.
Exercise, especially weight-bearing exercises (like walking or light resistance training), helps preserve muscle mass and bone density. It stimulates bone growth and improves muscle strength, which is key to maintaining mobility and reducing the risk of falls or fractures during and after treatment. Simple exercises like squats, leg raises, or gentle yoga can be beneficial, even if you’re too fatigued for more intense physical activity.
6. May Improve Long-Term Survival and Reduce Recurrence Risk
Here’s something really interesting—there’s evidence that regular exercise during cancer treatment may actually improve long-term survival outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence for certain types of cancer. Studies have shown that people who stay active during their cancer treatment often have better recovery rates and lower rates of cancer recurrence.
This benefit seems to be particularly relevant for cancers like breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Exercise can help with weight management, improve immune function, and reduce inflammation—all of which are important factors in reducing the likelihood of cancer returning after treatment.
So, Exercise during cancer treatment might seem intimidating at first, but the benefits are undeniable. It’s not about pushing yourself too hard or competing in a race; it’s about finding ways to stay active that feel good for you, whether that’s a short walk, some gentle stretching, or a slow-paced bike ride. The goal is to move—to keep your body as strong and healthy as possible during treatment.
The key is to always listen to your body and work with your healthcare team to develop an exercise plan that’s tailored to your specific needs. Remember, it’s okay to start small, and it’s okay to take breaks when you need them. But don’t underestimate how powerful even a little bit of movement can be. Your body will thank you, and your mind will thank you, too.
If you’re ever unsure about what type of exercise is best for you during treatment, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or a physical therapist who specializes in cancer care. They’ll help guide you through the process and ensure that you’re doing what’s right for your body.
It’s all about feeling better—physically and emotionally—throughout the treatment journey, and exercise can be a great tool to help get you there.
Precautions to Keep in Mind When Exercising During Cancer Treatment
While exercise offers many benefits during cancer treatment, it’s also important to approach it cautiously and with consideration for your specific health needs. Cancer treatments can affect the body in various ways, and certain precautions must be followed to ensure that exercise is safe and supportive of your recovery. Here’s a deeper dive into the precautions to keep in mind:
1. Consult with Your Doctor First
Before starting any exercise program, always consult your healthcare provider. This is especially important if you’re undergoing active cancer treatment like chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy. Your oncologist or medical team can give you personalized advice based on the specifics of your diagnosis, treatment, and current physical condition. They might recommend certain exercises or limitations based on factors such as:
The type of cancer you have
Whether you have any metastasis (spread of cancer)
Your current treatment side effects (e.g., low white blood cell count, anemia, etc.)
Any existing health conditions or co-morbidities (e.g., heart disease, diabetes)
Some people may have specific restrictions on high-intensity exercise or activities that could put them at risk of injury (e.g., high-impact or contact sports).
2. Listen to Your Body and Avoid Overexertion
Your body will be under a lot of stress during cancer treatment, so it’s important to listen to its signals. Pay attention to how you’re feeling during and after exercise, and adjust accordingly. If you’re feeling more fatigued than usual, experiencing pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, it’s important to stop and rest. Overexerting yourself could lead to injury or make fatigue worse.
Start with low-intensity activities and gradually increase the duration or intensity if you feel up to it. Remember, this isn’t about pushing yourself to achieve specific fitness goals—it’s about improving your physical and emotional well-being, so there’s no need to “push through” when you’re feeling unwell.
3. Consider Your Blood Counts and Immune System
Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments can lower your blood cell counts, including red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (immunocompromised), and platelets (which help with clotting). Exercise can sometimes increase the risk of bleeding or injury when these levels are low. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
If your white blood cell count is low (a condition called neutropenia), your immune system is more vulnerable, and you may be at higher risk for infections. In this case, avoid crowded places and activities that increase the risk of falling or injury. It’s better to engage in gentle exercises, like stretching or slow walking.
If your platelet count is low, activities that could lead to bruising, cuts, or bleeding (e.g., high-impact sports) should be avoided.
If you’re anemic (low red blood cells), you might experience fatigue and shortness of breath more easily during physical activity. Lower-intensity exercise may be more suitable.
Your doctor can do routine blood tests to monitor your levels and give you advice about when it’s safe to exercise.
4. Hydrate Properly
Dehydration is a common side effect of cancer treatment, especially if you’re experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Dehydration can also make fatigue worse, which means your energy levels will be lower and you may feel more sluggish during exercise.
Make sure to drink water before, during, and after any physical activity. This is especially important if you’re doing exercises that make you sweat or if it’s a particularly hot day.
If you’re undergoing chemotherapy or other treatments that lead to fluid loss, aim to stay ahead of dehydration by sipping water throughout the day—not just when you’re thirsty.
5. Be Mindful of Skin Sensitivity and Radiation Effects
Radiation therapy can cause skin irritation, dryness, and sensitivity. As your skin becomes more fragile, certain exercises or movements may exacerbate discomfort or cause skin breakdown. Be mindful of areas that have been treated with radiation, as they may be more sensitive to friction or pressure.
Avoid tight clothing or anything that could rub on areas that are affected by radiation burns or irritation.
If you’re prone to skin rashes, bruising, or other skin issues, be extra gentle when performing exercises that require bending, stretching, or high-impact movement.
If you’re undergoing radiation to the chest area, exercises that put pressure on your chest may not be recommended, depending on the severity of skin irritation.
Opt for clothing that’s soft, breathable, and non-restrictive, and avoid activities that may irritate already sensitive areas of skin.
6. Modify Exercises for Pain or Limited Mobility
Cancer and its treatments often result in pain, joint stiffness, muscle weakness, or limited mobility. If you’re experiencing these challenges, it’s important to modify your exercises to accommodate what your body is capable of. Don’t push yourself into positions or movements that cause pain.
Gentle stretching and yoga are great for increasing flexibility and range of motion without causing strain. Many cancer survivors find that yoga helps reduce pain, improves flexibility, and calms the mind.
Water aerobics is another fantastic low-impact exercise, as the buoyancy of the water supports the body and alleviates stress on the joints.
Resistance training with light weights or resistance bands can be beneficial for preserving muscle strength, but only if you’re able to do so comfortably.
If you’re unsure about how to adjust exercises to accommodate any physical challenges, a physical therapist who specializes in cancer recovery can help create a personalized plan.
7. Avoid High-Risk Activities
While it’s important to stay active, it’s equally important to avoid activities that could increase the risk of injury or infection. For example:
Running, jumping, and high-impact activities (like basketball or contact sports) might not be ideal if you’re fatigued, at risk of injury, or experiencing balance issues.
Swimming in public pools should be avoided if your immune system is compromised, as there’s an increased risk of infection.
Extreme heat or cold should also be avoided, especially if you have neuropathy or your immune system is weakened. Activities like hot yoga or exercising in very cold weather may cause unnecessary stress on your body.
8. Rest and Recovery Are Just as Important as Exercise
Remember that exercise is just one piece of the puzzle. Your body needs time to recover, so don’t underestimate the importance of rest. If you’re feeling exhausted after a workout, take time to recover, and don’t feel guilty about needing a break.
Balance is key. Short, frequent sessions of exercise combined with periods of rest will help you stay active without overwhelming your body.
I believe that exercise during cancer treatment can offer significant physical and emotional benefits, but it’s essential to approach it thoughtfully and with caution. By consulting with your healthcare team, listening to your body, staying hydrated, and being mindful of your limitations, you can make exercise a safe and effective part of your recovery plan. Remember, it’s not about pushing yourself to the limit—it’s about making choices that support your healing, improve your quality of life, and help you feel more in control of your body during a challenging time.
If you’re ever unsure or feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. A physical therapist or exercise specialist can help you design a safe and effective routine tailored to your needs. Every small step you take toward staying active is a step toward better health and well-being.
I know it sounds a little crazy to be thinking about exercise when you’re already juggling the stress of treatment and recovery. But honestly, it doesn’t have to be about pushing yourself to the limit. It’s about doing what feels right for your body, improving your mental outlook, and keeping yourself as strong as possible throughout the process. Every little bit counts, and you don’t have to do it alone—your healthcare team can help you design a plan that works for you.
In the end, exercise during cancer treatment isn’t about achieving some fitness goal; it’s about maintaining your quality of life, staying connected to your body, and giving yourself the best chance to feel as good as possible during a challenging time.
Thank you for reading this article. I know it’s a lot of info, but I really hope it’s helpful.
