I Have Cancer. Can I Still Have an Active Lifestyle?

A cancer diagnosis and treatment can wreak havoc on your life, leading to exhaustion, stress and depression. But that doesn’t mean you need to surrender your active lifestyle. In fact, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t.

The challenges of treatment may make it difficult to continue as if nothing has changed. If you are runner, for example, you may not have the energy to run four or five miles a day. And there may be times when treatment (surgery, for example) forces you to take a break.

The important thing is that you find ways to remain active with exercise or other activities. Keeping your body moving will help you both physically and mentally during your cancer journey.

Why You Should Stay Active During Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment comes in many forms, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and radiation therapy. Whatever combination your doctor suggests, there are likely to be numerous impacts on your quality of life.

There may be permanent changes to your body. Medications and other treatments may sap your energy or leave you nauseous. Your self-esteem may take a hit.

Facing these physical and mental challenges, it may seem easier to retreat to the couch or bedroom to save your energy. But this can be a self-defeating approach. It may sound counterintuitive, but too much rest can actually contribute to your fatigue and make it worse.

Even if you aren’t up for something particularly vigorous, even light exercise has the potential to be helpful.

The Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients

Increasingly we are learning that exercise during your cancer treatment can help you sleep better, reduce fatigue and improve your quality of life. Research also suggests that physical activity can boost your treatment outcomes by improving your metabolic health and immune system.

One recent study, for example, found that a structured exercise program offered significant benefits for colon cancer survivors. They were less likely to experience a recurrence of colon cancer and more likely to live longer when compared with non-exercising survivors. Another study found that breast cancer patients who exercise have a 40 percent lower risk of recurrence.

Exercise can also be effective at boosting your mental well-being. One of the simplest exercises – walking – has been shown to be almost as effective as some antidepressants.

Developing an exercise plan can also help deal with one of the most frustrating aspects of cancer treatment. A typical multidisciplinary care approach is likely to have you spending considerable time in treatments and visits with your care team. This can leave you feeling like life is spinning out of control.

Exercise, along with diet, is one of the areas where you can make a difference on your own. The simple act of choosing when and where you exercise can help you reclaim some of that lost control over your life and health.

7 Tips for Safely Exercising During Cancer Treatment

During treatment, you may not be able to exercise with the same intensity or frequency. But any amount of exercise will be better than nothing.

Among the strategies to consider:

• Turn it into a prescription. Talk with your care team to develop a specific plan that you can follow.
• Find a support group. Connecting with other cancer patients can help you learn from those who have already experienced what you are going through.
• Make it fun. You will have better success at sticking with your plan if you find an activity that you enjoy.
• Set goals. Both short-term and long-term goals can help keep you focused and progressing.
• Add a social element. Finding a workout partner can add a social element and accountability in terms of keeping each other on schedule.
• Take notes. A fitness tracker or journal can help track your progress.
• Boost your mind. Meditation, yoga and similar activities can help reduce stress, improve sleep and increase your energy.

Before engaging in any exercise program, talk with your doctor about any limitations or areas of caution. You may need to start slowly and ramp up over time.

This content is not AI generated.