A Boost During Treatment
Exercising may help reduce fatigue, nausea and weight gain

Extreme tiredness affects up to 70 percent of people undergoing chemotherapy, often impairing their ability to carry on with their normal activities. If you are one of these people, the last thing you probably want to do is exercise. But according to a number of studies over the past few years, the best way to counter these problems may simply be to get moving. Among their findings:

Exercise raises strength and energy levels, improving quality of life. Women who exercise are also better able to withstand potential side effects from chemotherapy such as nausea, vomiting and pain.

"Improvement in physical function, such as the ability to climb a flight of stairs or walk a certain distance, is an important outcome because it greatly impacts patients with jobs and children," said Vicki Conn of University of Missouri-Columbia’s Sinclair School of Nursing, which conducted one study. "Exercise can reduce recovery time and help patients feel better as they deal with the side effects of cancer treatment,” she said.
   
Further, while many women gain weight during chemotherapy due to a lack of physical activity, regular exercise may help them avoid this side effect.
   
A study published in 2005 in the Journal of the American Medical Association even showed that women who exercised moderately three to five hours per week were 50 percent less likely to die from the disease. In fact, any amount of exercise, even walking one hour per week, increased chances of survival.
   
A 2006 study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that regular physical activity following treatment may decrease the risk of cancer recurrence and death from colorectal cancer.
Exercise Safely During Treatment and Recovery
The following tips are from American Cancer Society dieticians

Strong evidence suggests that exercise is safe and can improve an individual’s physical function and quality of life. Moderate exercise has been shown to improve fatigue, anxiety, and self-esteem, as well as cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and body composition. However, individuals undergoing cancer treatment may need to temporarily decrease the intensity or duration of their regular workout. Check with your oncologist before beginning any exercise program.

Cancer treatment may have some effects that would increase the risk of exercise-related injuries or hamper your ability to exercise. In particular, survivors undergoing radiation therapy, or who have severe anemia, compromised immune function, severe fatigue, indwelling catheters or neuropathy should check with their oncologist before beginning any exercise program.

See the American Cancer Society Web site for more information on exercise and cancer recovery.

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