Exercise: the Newest Cancer Fighter
Being active can help you feel in greater control of your body and life.

It's normal for a cancer diagnosis to trigger questions, fears and feelings of being out of control of your life. Fortunately, there's something you can do today to take charge of your health and your life: Incorporate exercise into your daily life.

"A prescription for exercise can be an important part of our toolbox for people undergoing cancer therapy," says Nancy Reyes-Molyneux, M.D., radiation oncologist at Salem Hospital Regional Cancer Center. "A number of studies demonstrate that exercise can provide physical and psychological benefi ts for people who have cancer."

Chemotherapy effects
Each person responds differently to cancer treatment. Factors such as the particular cancer treatment received, the person's health and the type and extent of cancer determine the reaction to treatment and side effects.

Although some people are able to continue with their work and daily activities, most of those receiving cancer treatment experience some level of fatigue, insomnia, depression, loss of appetite and nausea.

About 70 percent of people who receive chemotherapy feel extreme fatigue that's generally not relieved by rest and prevents them from working or managing their households.

Strategies to reduce fatigue include medication to boost the body's production of red blood cells and a structured exercise program.

Exercise benefits
When undergoing chemotherapy, people often feel too weak to start a major exercise program. But even light exercise, such as a daily walk around the block, can be benefi cial. Plus, many stretching and weighttraining exercises can be tailored to your capabilities and done while sitting or lying down.

Studies show most people receiving chemotherapy who incorporate exercise into their lives have:

• Shorter hospital stays
• Less decline in physical functioning
• Significantly less fatigue and emotional distress
• Better sleep
• Increased self-esteem and confidence
• Fewer side effects

"A consistent exercise regimen directly influences an improved feeling of vitality, control and hope," says Jennifer Truax, physical therapist and certifi ed athletic trainer at Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center. "It also leads to restorative sleep that is often diffi cult to attain during the cancer-treatment process."

Nancy Reyes-Molyneux, M.D.

Designing a program
"Due to fatigue associated with chemotherapies and radiation, the exercises you see in fitness magazines may not be appropriate," says Truax. "Exercise programs should be guided by your physician and/or physical therapist." Depending on your health and the stage of your cancer, there could be some exercises you shouldn't do.

You can customize your exercise program by changing any of three factors:

• frequency-how often you exercise
• intensity-how hard you exercise
• time-how long you exercise

It's best to start with low-intensity, short-duration activities, three days a week. As your body adjusts and gets stronger, you can gradually work a little harder and a little longer at each session. A typical program might prescribe aerobic and strengthening exercise on alternate days, starting with five- to 10-minute sessions and working up to as much as 40 minutes over a 15-week time period.

Strengthening exercises will keep your muscles strong so you can perform daily chores with greater ease, and walking and other aerobic activities will increase your endurance. It may take weeks or months for some people to regain pre-treatment energy levels. However, once chemotherapy is completed, normal cells recover and the side effects, including fatigue, subside.

Think active
Exercise can help you take charge of your body. You can take responsibility for getting well and feeling better through regular participation. "Being active, rather than passive, in the process of recovery will give you strength, courage and confi dence as your treatment continues," says Truax. Setting a goal of wellness and taking action toward that goal is the first step in becoming a cancer survivor.