Range of Motion offers Exercise Physiologist designed one-on-one exercise sessions for individuals with this condition. Book a complimentary consultation or contact us to find out more.
The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Based on guidelines provided by the American College of Sports Medicine.
Condition Overview:
Cancer refers to a complex number of conditions characterised by the uncontrolled proliferation and spreading of cells.
The treatments are broad, depending on the form of cancer, though exercise can be beneficial regardless of the stage of cancer, or the form of treatment.
Short Term Response to Exercise:
Depending on the form of cancer, responses to exercise vary considerably. This response is unique to the tissue being affected. In this way, lung cancer will affect respiration, musculo-skeletal cancers will directly affect the area in question and neural cancers can cause motor control difficulties, seizures and other neural symptoms. Most forms of cancer will see some form of premature fatigue or lethargy.
Perhaps more influential on physical capacities are the side effects of the various treatment methodologies.
Long Term Response to Exercise:
The research on the effects of exercise on cancer is currently growing at a considerable rate. Effort is being put into the investigation of exercise as a prevention for cancer. This has been suggested for several major forms, including lung, prostate, breast and colon cancers.
The biggest benefit of exercise for cancer patients though is the effect on the immune system, the ability to maintain functional abilities through treatment and an improvement of mood and quality of life. In essence, exercise increases the body’s coping resources and aids them in dealing with cancer.
More specifically, exercise plays a major role in reversing the negative effects of various exercise treatments. Many treatments increase the risk of such conditions as coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Exercise combats these side effects at every step.
Condition Management:
Direct cancer treatment methods are varied, and once again, specific to the cancer type. Treatments may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Schwartz, A. L., (2003). Cancer. In: Durstine, J. L., Moore, G. E. (2003), ACSM’s Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities 2nd Ed. (pp 166-172) American College of Sports Medicine, Human Kinetics.
