Physical Exercise and Cancer

By Ellie Sweum, PT

Gateau Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

More Pain Management & Rehabilitation Articles

Physical Exercise and Cancer

According to a 2001 study, Physical Exercise Across the Cancer Experience (PEACE) is crucial during the entire cancer process. People who exercise regularly have lower incidence of cancer (especially hormonal cancers); they are more likely to follow screening guidelines, which helps with early detection, and exercise may decrease stress and anxiety that occurs during the detection process. Exercise helps improve physical and mental condition before cancer treatments. During cancer treatments, exercise may help manage the harsh side effects experienced by the patient. Exercise post cancer treatment helps the person return to prior level of function and improve quality of life. Statistics also show that exercise increases survival rates among cancer patients.

One of the side effects of cancer treatment is cancer-related fatigue. Did you know that 50-100% of cancer treatment clients report fatigue during treatment? Once treatment is completed, 17-56% of long-term survivors continue to report fatigue that diminishes their quality of life. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of 21 of the world's leading cancer centers defines cancer-related fatigue as “a distressing persistent subjective sense of tiredness or exhaustion related to cancer or cancer treatment that is not proportional to any recent activity and interferes with usual functioning.” This physical and mental fatigue is not relieved by rest or sleep.

At the end of active cancer treatments, 40% of patients will continue to suffer from cancer-related fatigue after one year, 30% after two years, and 30% of patients still have cancer-related fatigue more than two years after active treatment. Regular exercise promotes long-term health and helps resolve cancer-related fatigue symptoms.

There are specific recommendations for exercise depending on the phase of the cancer process. A Medically Oriented Gym (M.O.G.) could be the answer to fatigue and other problems associated with post cancer treatment. Although a M.O.G. has equipment that you'd see in the traditional gym, the similarities end there. A M.O.G. is staffed by physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and exercise physiologists. With a M.O.G.. membership, the client receives a comprehensive assessment, works with the physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to tailor a program that addresses the client's needs, and instruct the client in equipment use. With each subsequent visit, the M.O.G. member will have the program monitored and progressed by the degreed staff and every 90 days a follow-up assessment is performed to evaluate the client's progress. The M.O.G. also offers group classes appropriate for everyone from children to older adults and monthly educational events as part of the membership price.

Think about membership to a Medically Oriented Gym to help make positive changes after your battle with cancer.