It is estimated that 25% of cancer cases worldwide are caused by overweight or obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. These patterns may increase cancer risk due to several reasons including increased estrogens and testosterone, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, increased inflammation, and depressed immune function. Random trials have shown physical activity and diet interventions can change genes of cancer risks. The worldwide trend toward increasing overweight and obesity and decreasing physical activity may lead to an increased incident of several cancers though.
In a thorough review of the research literature and clinical recommendations on aerobic and resistance exercise programs for managing cancer related fatigue the evidence points to overwhelmingly positive benefits and results.
With fatigue being a relevant problem with cancer patients during and after treatment studies have been conducted to determine if implementing an exercise program for these patients proves beneficial. Several studies have shown that exercise can improve the quality of life and functional status of cancer patients undergoing chemo or radiotherapy.
Many studies indicate that walking 30 minutes three to four times a week will not only help to alleviate the fatigue that is associated with the treatments but it has been shown to improve sleep, cardiovascular health, relieve stress and help maintain a sense of self. Exercising will provide oxygen to the system opening up the lymphatic drainage gates and improve mood and brain health in addition to strengthening the immune and cardiovascular systems.
Additional studies have shown that supervised exercise training is associated with significant improvements in VO2 peak following a diagnosis of early-stage cancer. Physical activity has further shown to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality.
These studies of both the benefit of exercise to prevent many types of cancer as well as the benefits of exercise during and after cancer treatments are astonishing. If simply exercising a few times a week will help decrease the risk of cancer as well as assist in recuperation during treatments and after treatments and help reduce the risk of recurrence it should be a routine that is implemented as a recovery plan for all sufferers.
If exercise can provide this type benefit for cancer patients... what can it do for you!? It is time to think about not only your short term fitness and physique goals but your long term health goals! Have you taken good care of your body and treated it well??
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