Breast cancer and exercise have shown to be effective when combined. Women that have continued to exercise throughout their cancer treatment appear to react better to treatments and recover faster.
Breast Cancer and Exercise
Recently, links between breast cancer and exercise have been established. Exercise has been shown to aid women in the treatment of cancer. It has also been shown to decrease the side effects of the cancer treatment. When exercise is combined with the proper diet, the effects of breast cancer and exercise are positive.
The Benefits of Exercise During Cancer Treatment
The benefits of exercising while undergoing cancer treatment has shown to be effective for numerous reasons. Exercise has shown to help women undergoing treatment for breast cancer had gained more energy than those that did not exercise. It also appears to fight off weight gain while undergoing cancer treatment.
Exercise During Cancer Treatment
Many exercise techniques have been shown to be effective with cancer treatment. The movements of dance can not only increase a patient’s physical well-being, but their emotional well-being also. Swimming is another great form of exercise for breast cancer patients. These exercises can allow a patient to gain a larger range of motion in their arms and other joints. Walking for 30 minutes a day, or participating in light aerobics are other great fitness activities for women undergoing cancer treatments.
Exercise and Breast Cancer Survival
It has recently been found that women that exercised during breast cancer treatment had a higher survival rate than women that did not exercise. This appears to benefit women with Stage 1, 2, and 3 breast cancers. The activities that seem to benefit breast cancer patients the most are hiking, walking, running and jogging. Many women with breast cancer participate in cycling, tennis, and racquetball and achieve the same results.
Exercise Can Lower Breast Cancer Risk
The risk of breast cancer has shown to be decreased by simply exercising regularly. Exercise as moderate as brisk walking can decrease breast cancer risks. To gain these benefits, it is recommended that women at a high risk of breast cancer exercise at least 30 minutes for 5 days a week.
Before beginning any exercise program, it is important to talk with a doctor to determine whether or not physical activity is a good option for you while undergoing breast cancer treatment.
References:
“Nutrition and Exercise during Breast Cancer Treatment” November 15, 2008 www.webmd.com
“Exercise Can Improve Breast Cancer Survival” May 25, 2005 ACS News Center
“A Brisk Walk to Cut Breast Cancer Risk” August 30, 2003 ACS News Center
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