Every four minutes, someone receives a cancer diagnosis in Australia. Approximately one in ten people with cancer exercise during or after their treatment.
Is it okay if I exercise during my cancer treatment?
The short answer is YES!
The long answer is that exercise has many positive effects on your body that help counteract the negative effects of cancer treatment. Research demonstrates that exercise during all stages of cancer treatment have positive effects on physical and mental health. It is becoming an increasingly important modality in the standard treatment protocol of cancer. It is never too late to start exercising, whether you’ve had an active lifestyle or not, beginning exercise when you have a cancer diagnosis is beneficial. Exercise has been shown to:
- Make your treatment more effective at destroying tumor cells
- Prevent muscle loss and build strength
- Improve balance to reduce falls risk
- Lower the risk of treatment side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, neuropathy, weakness
- Reduce the risk of depression and anxiety
- Improve/maintain independence
- Improve sleep
- Prevent weight gain
- Improve quality of life
If you are currently experiencing treatment, or know of someone that is, please contact us at MET Phys on 0745 993 165 to see how we can help you through.
