Agencies
Services
Physical Activity Before & After Cancer
Exercise Before, During & After Cancer Therapy
Early detection of cancer and its effective management has considerably improved. However, cancer and its treatment have physical, psychophysical, and psychological adverse effects. Exercise can be prescribed right at the time of diagnosis of cancer and through the treatment and post-treatment as well.
Several reviews and studies have shown that non-pharmacological interventions such as a healthy diet, yoga, and exercise are positively associated with improved survival and reduction in some cancer-associated symptoms (fatigue, pain, constipation, dyspnea, weight, sleep problems) and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with cancer.
Exercise can be prescribed during the pre-habilitation phase (time period between cancer diagnosis and initiation of its treatment), habilitation (during treatment), and rehabilitation phase (after therapy in survivors).
Various types of exercises can be prescribed in various combinations depending on the symptoms:
- Aerobic;
- Resistance;
- Strength;
- Balance;
- Flexibility; and
- Relaxation.
For a cancer patient, adherence to exercise during cancer treatment, high motivation levels, decreased alcohol consumption, availability of physical trainers and training centers, less extensive surgery, family support, and the right patient education can have positive outcomes towards recovery.
For more information on exercise before, during, and after cancer read here: https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2019/12/04/08/22/exercise-before-during-and-after-cancer-therapy