The Benefits of Exercise During Cancer Treatment

Exercise comes in many shapes and forms. From everyday activities like housework, gardening, and walking to structured routines like personal training, group fitness classes, and gym programs. Research shows that exercise benefits everyone, including those going through cancer treatment. It has been shown to reduce the impact of side effects for some cancers, improve physical function, reduce fatigue, and help you regain strength and independence, enabling a quicker return to daily activities post treatment.

Managing Muscle Loss and Fatigue

Cancer treatment can have several negative impacts, including a reduction in muscle mass and strength. Cachexia, a complex metabolic syndrome often seen with certain cancers like lung, pancreatic, and gastric, as well as other chronic diseases, can lead to significant muscle loss. Age can also be a major risk factor, leading to a combination of Cachexia and Sarcopenia, further contributing to muscle wasting. Both direct (chemo, radiation, surgery) and indirect (lifestyle changes, decreased activity) effects of cancer treatment can alter body composition.

The type and stage of cancer, along with variations in treatment, can influence the extent of muscle loss. Lower muscle mass increases the risk of cancer recurrence, cancer-specific mortality, surgical complications, and may impact post-treatment recovery. Exercise has shown to have significant benefits, including improvements in physical health, fatigue resistance, increased quality of life, and overall survival. A combination of resistance and aerobic training has proven beneficial for patients during treatment, helping preserve muscle and reducing the risk of mortality. [1]

Exercise Recommendations for Cancer Patients

The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) recommends people with cancer who are relatively healthy and have been accessed as low risk, aim for at least 2 1⁄2 hours of moderate intensity aerobic or cardio exercise or 1 1⁄4 hours vigorous aerobic or cardio exercise and 2-3 strength or resistance sessions to build muscle strength per week. [2]

Types of Exercise for Cancer Patients

Exercise is typically categorised into two types: aerobic and resistance. However, it's helpful to consider four types, including flexibility and balance exercises.

Aerobic and Cardio Exercise

•       Uses large muscle groups

•       Increases heart rate and breathing

•       Enhances oxygen usage, lung capacity, heart, and muscle fitness

Strength and Resistance Training

·       Involves resistance (body weight, barbell, dumbbell, kettlebell, bands)

·       Builds muscle strength

·       Increases bone strength over time

·       Reduces risk of falls or fractures as we age

·       Preserves muscle mass and maintains strength during treatment

Flexibility and Balance Exercises

·       Yoga

·       Pilates

·       Meditation

·       Stretch classes

Incorporating these various types of exercise can provide comprehensive health benefits, especially during and after cancer treatment. It is important to ensure your exercise is tailored to the type, stage and side effect of cancer you may be experiencing. Enlisting the help of a clinical nurse educator, accredited exercise physiologist, or physiotherapist can help determine which exercise is best for you

Finding the Right Exercise for You

So, which exercise is best for you? It's the one you enjoy! It might be walking for mental clarity or yoga for stretching and meditation. Whether you can manage a few days a week or just 20 minutes a day, every bit counts.

The Broader Benefits of Regular Exercise

Regular exercise can lessen the risk and severity of treatment side effects, boost energy levels, reduce muscle loss, and improve bone strength, mobility, and balance. It can also decrease the risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer, prostate, bowel, and endometrial cancers from returning. It aids in recovery by improving sleep quality, reducing fatigue, and alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise may also decrease the risk of other health related diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes. Aside from being an amazing mood booster, exercise can enhance self-esteem and provide opportunities to interact and socialise with others.

Nutrition Tips for Supporting Exercise During Cancer Recovery

If you are engaging in exercise alongside cancer treatment, ensure you fuel your workouts with:

• Protein: Chicken, meat, fish, tofu, beans, legumes, eggs

• Carbohydrates: Breads, rice, pasta, beans, cereal, potatoes

• Vegetables: Leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, kale

• Fruits: A wide variety is recommended

• Healthy Fats: Avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds, oily fish

Additional Resources

If you are looking for ways to nourish your body through recovery and into life after cancer treatment, check out Alex’s e- Recipe book, available now in the link below.

References

1. Sawan A, Nunes S, Everson A, Lim C, McKendry J, Stuart M. The health benefits of Resistance Exercise: Beyond Hypertrophy and Big Weights. Exercise, Sports and Movement. 2023 Dec [cited 2024 May 22]: 1(1). Available from: https://journals.lww.com/acsm- esm/fulltext/2023/01000/the_health_benefits_of_resistance_exercise__beyond.2.aspx)

2. Cancer Council Victoria. Living with Cancer: Exercise. Cancer Council Victoria. c2023 [cited 2024 May 22]. Available from https://www.cancervic.org.au/get-support/living-with- cancer/exercise/exercise-overview

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