If a pill could be made that could do the same for cancer as exercise it would be called a miracle drug.
EXERCISE CAN HELP PREVENT CANCER
We all know that not smoking is important in the prevention of cancer. Exercise also plays an important role in preventing cancer. Research shows that regular exercise prevents some cancers, and can also reduce the occurrence of cancer by 30-70%. This effect is strongest for colorectal and breast cancer.
EXERCISE CAN HELP CANCER SURVIVORS
If you have survived Cancer, you face unique challenges related to the risk of cancer recurring and developing other chronic disease like osteoporosis (thinning bones). Exercise improves survival rates, at least in breast and colon cancer, and can reduce your risk of death by half if you are a cancer survivor.
EXERCISE CAN HELP TREAT CANCER
Exciting new research is looking at exercise as treatment for Cancer. As seen on TV on Catalyst episode 14, patients do exercise immediately before or after chemotherapy. This has shown to improve chemotherapy uptake into the cancer as well as increasing the natural killer cell activity that helps destroy the cancer cells and reduces tumour growth by 60-70%.
In addition to increased survival rates and improved chemotherapy treatment, there are other established benefits of exercising during and after cancer treatment. These include preserved or improved muscle strength, mass and power; physical functioning; range of motion; body image; mood; self esteem; and health. There are also reductions in duration of hospitilisation; psychological and emotional stress; depression and anxiety; and side effects such as pain, fatigue and nausea.
SEEKING HELP
If you need help determining the best way to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle in the correct frequency, intensity, duration and type of execise needed for your goals our exercise physiologist Linda Walker , can assist.
“Exercise is Natural Medicine”
References:
- Australian institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (2010). Cancer in Australia 2010: An overview. Cancer series no. 50. Cat. No. CAN 56. Canberra: AIHW
- Hayes, Sandra et al. Australian Association for Exercise and Sport Science position stand: Optimising cancer outcomes through exercise. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Vol 12 (4), 428-434.
- Catalyst documentary Episode 14 Exercise and Cancer: http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/vodcast/
