Cancer and Exercise: How Physical Activity Benefits Patients and Enhances Treatment Outcomes

by LukeAdmin

Did you know that exercise is safe for people with cancer when it is appropriately prescribed and monitored.

Recent research suggests that exercise benefits most people both during and after cancer treatment. It can help manage some of the common side effects of treatment, speed up your return to your usual activities, and improve your quality of life. The evidence also shows there is little risk of exercise causing harm if care is taken and professional exercise advice is followed closely. For some cancers, exercise can even improve treatment outcomes.

People with cancer should be as physically active as their abilities and condition allow. Some days may be harder than others, but even a few minutes of light exercise is better than no exercise at all.

Talk to your oncology specialist before starting an exercise program, particularly if you have bone cancer or if you have any persistent treatment–related side effects, such as lymphoedema (swelling caused by a build–up of lymph fluid), shortness of breath, nerve damage, skin irritation, fatigue, or pain. Your cancer rehabilitation practitioner and/or specialist can advise whether you need a modified exercise program.

If you are already very active at the time of the cancer diagnosis, talk to your doctor and an exercise professional (see below) about how you can retain your fitness during and after treatment.

Seeking the advice of an exercise physiologist with cancer rehabilitation experience is recommended so you can receive an individually tailored exercise prescription.

Questions for your exercise professionals:

  • What are your qualifications?
  • Are you accredited?
  • By which organisation?
  • Have you completed any training focused on exercise for people
  • with cancer?
  • Can you talk to my medical team about my exercise program?
  • What will you consider when preparing an exercise program for someone with my medical history?
  • How will I know that I am doing the exercises correctly?
  • What should I do if I feel pain
  • when exercising?
  • Can I start slowly?
  • What if I feel too unwell to exercise?
  • How long might it be before I start
  • to see some benefits from this exercise program?
  • How many appointments are we likely to need?

The team at Conveniently Active, part of Coastal Rehab Hub comprises of dedicated Exercise Physiologists who are accredited practising exercise physiologists who are highly qualified and experienced. The team have a special interest in prescription of exercise for cancer patients.

Coastal Rehab Hub in Erina is an all–in–one hub for cancer patients to receive integrated care and treatment. Led by owner and founder of Cancer Rehabilitation & Lymphatic Solutions, Kate Perkins Coastal Rehab Hub utilises the latest and most advanced technology and techniques backed by evidence–based practice to ensure the most optimal outcomes for patients.

www.coastalrehabhub.com.au
www.lymphaticsolutions.com.au
www.convenientlyactive.com.au
Coastal Rehab Hub Cancer Rehab / Oncolaser ™ Therapy / Exercise Physiology Dietitian / Breast Cancer Recovery

ph (02) 4312 7033 5/30 Karalta Rd Erina NSW 2250

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