Is it safe for me to exercise if I have cancer?

12th Apr, 2021

Cancer and its treatment is known for having adverse physical and psychological side effects. More often than not, cancer management is focused on managing the cancer itself and its related toxicities, or side-effects.

Some of the common concerns that cancer patients often relate to include:

  1. Lost of self-esteem and motivation (i.e. due to hair loss or scarring)
  2. Fatigue and weakness
  3. Loss of mobility
  4. Responsibilities and family burden

Of the above factors, fatigue is a significant factor and it takes a toll on your physical and mental wellbeing. However, the effects of cancer related fatigue can be managed through movement and exercise!

What is the Cycle of Fatigue?

Cancer related fatigue is a very common phenomenon among cancer patients. It can come in various forms, be it physical, emotional or mental. The following image explains the relevant phases in the Cycle of Fatigue.

The Cycle of Fatigue

This type of fatigue can be ongoing and persist even after treatment. Even though it may sound counterintuitive, getting up and moving can actually help to break the cycle of fatigue. Furthermore, the American Medical Association’s (AMA) suggests that exercise therapy should be prescribed as first-line treatment for cancer patients.

What is exercise in cancer care?

The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) recommends that people with cancer should aim to achieve two to three resistance exercise sessions each week involving moderate to vigorous intensity exercises targeting major muscle groups. For instance:

  1. At least 150 minutes (i.e. three to five times a week) of moderate-intensity
  2. OR 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise a week (i.e. 2 times a week, 2 sets of 15 reps on major muscle groups).

Major muscle groups of the body

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) provides an evidence based framework for exercise testing, prescription and its outcome on cancer survivors. There is strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of exercise on various side effects and symptoms of cancer.

The table below shows the recommended exercise dosage for respective side effects of cancer treatment:

Examples of aerobic training include walking, running, swimming and cycling etc. Included in the exercise sheet below are several recommended exercises and the targeted muscle groups.

Click here to download Exercise Sheet

How can we help?

Physiotherapists at PhysioX can help to design an exercise program that is well suited to your condition after assessing and identifying potential barriers of exercise. They will ensure that the exercises are adequate for you and be certain to ensure that you are able to perform them safely!

Let’s get moving! Don’t let the diagnosis of cancer slow you down!

Book now or give us a call to schedule an appointment to see our Physiotherapist who will be able to partner you on your recovery and fight against cancer!

DISCLAIMER: These advice and exercises should not replace the need for a consultation with a Physiotherapist especially if your condition doesn’t improve. Therapeutic exercise should be carefully selected to suit your condition.

References:

Blaney, J. M., Lowe‐Strong, A., Rankin‐Watt, J., Campbell, A., & Gracey, J. H. (2013). Cancer survivors’ exercise barriers, facilitators and preferences in the context of fatigue, quality of life and physical activity participation: a questionnaire–survey. Psycho‐oncology, 22(1), 186-194.

Cormie, P., Atkinson, M., Bucci, L., Cust, A., Eakin, E., Hayes, S., … & Adams, D. (2018). Clinical Oncology Society of Australia position statement on exercise in cancer care. Medical Journal of Australia, 209(4), 184-187.

Patel, A. V., Friedenreich, C. M., Moore, S. C., Hayes, S. C., Silver, J. K., Campbell, K. L., … & Matthews, C. E. (2019). American College of Sports Medicine roundtable report on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cancer prevention and control. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 51(11), 2391.

Filed under: Cancer

Share Post:

Categories

[blog_categories]

Latest Posts

Cross Bracing Protocol

Cross Bracing Protocol

Key Points Novel bracing protocol shows promise in ACL healing: The Cross Bracing Protocol (CBP) resulted in ACL healing in 90% of participants within three months. Patient-reported outcomes improve with more ACL healing: Better knee function, quality of life, and...

Physiotherapy after breast cancer

Physiotherapy after breast cancer

Key Points Current medical management: Breast cancer treatment often involves surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and targeted therapy. Common side effects: Treatments can lead to pain, upper limb dysfunction, and cancer-related fatigue (CRF)....

Prevent running injuries

Prevent running injuries

Key Points Previous Injuries: The most significant risk factor for running injuries is having a previous injury in the past 12 months. Training Errors: High weekly mileage and running frequency increase the likelihood of running related injuries. Biomechanical...

MRI scan for low back pain?

MRI scan for low back pain?

Key Message: Mindful imaging for low back pain: unnecessary medical imaging for low back pain can escalate healthcare costs and radiation exposure. Adhering to clinical guidelines ensures that imaging is employed purposefully. Guidelines as compass: clinical...

Improving outcomes for chronic low back pain

Improving outcomes for chronic low back pain

Key Points: The understanding of chronic low back pain (CLBP) is rapidly evolving thanks to advances in research and technology. Despite the progress, long-term self-management programs for CLBP have not shown consistent effectiveness. A patient-centred, long-term...

Low back pain

Low back pain

Key Messages: Low back pain is a widespread issue, affecting people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. In most cases, it is challenging to identify a specific cause for low back pain, leading to the term "non-specific low back pain." Disabling low back pain is...

Healing of ACL with Cross Bracing Protocol on MRI

Healing of ACL with Cross Bracing Protocol on MRI

Key Points Effective Healing: The Cross Bracing Protocol (CBP) demonstrated a high success rate in ACL healing as visualised on MRI. Improved Outcomes: Patients managed with CBP reported better knee function, quality of life, and higher return-to-sport rates compared...

Exercise for osteoporosis

Exercise for osteoporosis

Key Points Understanding Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. Effective Exercise: Regular resistance and impact exercises can help improve bone strength and reduce the risk of falls. Individualised...

Is running safe for my knees?

Is running safe for my knees?

Key Points Health Benefits of Running: Running improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and enhances mental well-being. Impact on Knees: Moderate running does not increase knee damage and may improve some knee conditions. Clinical Implications: Running,...

Surgery for degenerative meniscus injuries?

Surgery for degenerative meniscus injuries?

Understanding the meniscus and managing degenerative tears Key Points Meniscus Function: The meniscus acts as a shock absorber and stabiliser in the knee. Treatment Options: Exercise therapy is often recommended over surgery for degenerative meniscus tears. Clinical...

Verified by MonsterInsights