Dr. Pan's Blog
Exercise and Cancer
By Janet Smick, PT and Kathe Hickey, PT
August 2011
As you go through your cancer treatment, it’s not unusual to experience fatigue, muscle weakness, discomfort, and a decrease in your overall ability to handle daily tasks. Some patients may also experience a decrease in their psychological, spiritual, and social well-being. Research shows that gentle exercise can help counteract both the physical and emotional setbacks and improve your quality of life.
If you already exercise on a regular basis, try to continue to do so as much as possible, though you may find you have to lower the intensity of your current program depending on how you feel. If you don’t currently exercise, be sure to start slowly and gently with simple stretching and short walks.
Need some ideas of how to incorporate exercise into your daily routine? Here are some suggestions, along with the benefits you can experience for your overall health:
- Gentle walking and cycling are examples of aerobic exercises that stimulate the cardiac system and help combat fatigue and weight gain.
- Strength and resistance training—such as lifting weights or using resistance bands—increases muscle strength and endurance and can improve your ability to perform daily tasks.
- Balance exercises help promote strength and help counteract possible side effects of treatment, such as fatigue and muscle weakness.
- Stretching exercises help you regain your normal range of motion and improve flexibility of joints and muscles.
Visit kp.org/fitnessfor more information about ways to incorporate exercise into your day, or go to kp.org/classes to find an exercise or movement class near you.
You can also sign up for Living Strong Living Well: A Strength/Fitness Program for Cancer Patients & Survivors, a twelve-week small-group strength and fitness training program designed for adult cancer survivors. This program is sponsored by the Stanford Health Improvement Program and the YMCA. Visit their website for details about upcoming programs, or call 650-725-5014 or email joycehanna@stanford.edu to register.
