Depending upon the type and stage of cancer, as well as the treatment protocol, an appropriate exercise prescription should be seen as an important part of the treatment strategy.* This article will address several of the physical and psychological benefits of exercise and will assist cancer patients resume their daily living activities and a sense of normalcy. In addition, an increased level of fitness will allow those going through the cancer experience to tolerate treatments more effectively with a greater adherence to the treatment schedule and possibly better results.

Physical Benefits

Aerobic Capacity

Aerobic activities utilize major muscle groups, are rhythmic in nature and are slow enough to allow the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to the exercising muscles. They may be done as part of a warmup or lead in to other activities or more as a “stand alone” activity. As part of a warm-up, some form of aerobic activity should be done prior to flexibility and resistance exercises. Examples include walking, cycling and swimming. The use of aerobic exercises approximately 20-30 minutes a day, several times a week have been shown to minimize the effects of fatigue, nausea and depression for many cancer patients. The increased circulation will also assist in the removal of waste products due to the effects of chemotherapy or radiation.

Balance

Balance exercises may improve balance that may be due to a loss of muscle mass or neurological damage such as neuropathy.

Bone Density

Moderate weight bearing exercise such as walking or lifting weights will minimize the loss of bone density that may result from metastasis to the bones or from the use of hormone therapy such as estrogen therapy for prostate cancer or tamoxifen for breast cancer.

Fatigue

Fatigue or what is known as cancer related fatigue (CRF) is very common occurence during the treatment and post treatment phase. A spiralling effect often occurs whereby an individual becomes less physically active and deconditioned. The individual therefore loses strength and does less. Aerobic and resistance exercises have been shown to intervene in this cycle with less fatigue on the part of the patient.

Flexibility

Flexibility is often lost as a result of scarring of the connective tissue or skin related to surgery or radiation, as well as the shortening of muscles due to inactivity. Stretching prior to exercise such as after a warm shower or a daily walk is suggested. Stretching at the end of an exercise session is also an ideal time as muscles have been warmed up and are more pliable. Stretch slowly not using too much momentum or bouncing types of movement when stretching. Lifting weights slowly through a complete range of motion will often increase flexibility.

Strength

Many cancer patients lose strength simply due to a lack of use. This is common in breast cancer where patients are afraid to lift objects with an affected arm. Moderate strength or resistance training will assist in maintaining strength which is essential in performing daily activities such as carrying groceries or raking the leaves.

Weight Management

Some cancer patients gain weight due to inactivity and hormone treatment. Those with advanced cancer often experience severe weight loss or cachexia due to the loss of fat and muscle. Aerobic activities will assist in the management of weight gain while light resistance exercise will maintain some degree of muscle mass for those experiencing cachexia. Exercise may also stimulate one’s appetite which is often lost during chemotherapy.

Increased Tolerance of Treatment

While exercise will, unfortunately, not cure cancer its therapeutic effects will often allow for a greater tolerance of treatment. Greater adherence to one’s treatment regimen may, in turn, increase the likelihood of recovery. A common mistake for those undergoing treatment is waiting to feel better before beginning to exercise or stated differently, “waiting to get better, to get better” thereby delaying the recovery process and a return to their former self

Psychological Benefits

Anxiety

Whether due to a “time-out” effect, biochemical changes or the increased body temperature of exercise exerting a calming effect, many symptoms of anxiety such as muscle tension or sleeplessness can be reduced or managed by moderate aerobic activity or by the slow meditative movements of the Eastern traditions such as Tai Chi.

Control

Loss of control and identity is commonly associated with cancer diagnosis. Many of the physical benefits of exercise enable one to perform activities of daily living (ADL) and gain a greater sense of control and identity.

Depression

Whether biochemical in nature or by gaining a measure of control, exercise has been shown to reduce depression that is commonly associated with cancer.

Support

For many, exercise classes may become an informal support group. Indeed, it may be said that exercise classes are often support groups for those who dislike traditional support groups. They may also provide needed structure and interaction for those who are not working and feel a sense of isolation.

Appropriate exercise should not be seen as something that is done only when you feel better or “waiting to get better to get better.” Rather, you will feel better once you become active once more.

* Please contact your physician before any beginning an exercise program.

Howard Stidwill, Ph.D., has been director of exercise therapy programs for cancer patients for over 12 years and recently published Exercise Therapy and the Cancer Patient: A Guide for Patients and Professionals, Champion Press, 2006. He has also presented and published numerous articles including the American Cancer Society, Y-Me, Coping and the American Breast Cancer Guide where he serves as a member of the editorial advisory board. Dr. Stidwill is currently president of InnerStrength Rehabilitation Services for Cancer Patients Inc. Newsletters and related advice are available at innerstrengthrehab.com innerstrengthrehab.com and cancerrehab.blogspot.com cancerrehab.blogspot.com, Ph/FAX 630 584-3021.

Tags: breast cancer, cancer patient, chemotherapy, prostate cancer

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Tags: breast cancer, cancer patient, chemotherapy, prostate cancer

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death, second only to lung cancer. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

Factors that can affect your risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer are called risk factors. Risk factors can be broken down into two categories, those that can be controlled and those that cannot be controlled.

RISK FACTORS THAT CANNOT BE CONTROLLED

The risk factors you have no control over are gender, hormones, age, genetic makeup and certain environmental exposures.

GENDER: Women are much more inclined to develop breast cancer than men. This is primarily due to the estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body. These hormones stimulate cell growth in the breast, both normal and abnormal.

HORMONES: Estrogen, a hormone that is produced by the ovaries, increases a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer. A woman’s exposure to estrogen can increase her risk by:

*using oral contraceptives.

*using Hormone Replacement Therapy.

*never being pregnant or having first child after the age of 35.

*early onset of menstruation and late onset of menopause.

AGE: Aging is one of the biggest risk factors for breast cancer. After a woman passes the age of 50, the likelihood of developing breast cancer increases significantly.

GENETIC MAKEUP: There is a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer for women who have already had breast cancer and for women who have had many family members diagnosed with cancer (regardless of the type).

ENVIRONMENT: The air we breathe and the water we drink are full of toxins (poisons) that were not present 100 years ago. Many of these toxins are known to increase the risk of or directly cause cancer.

RISK FACTORS THAT CAN BE CONTROLLED

Lifestyle changes like altering your diet, starting an exercise program and losing weight, are the easiest factors to control. Following the tips below may help you decrease your risk of breast cancer:

LOSE WEIGHT: There is a clear link between excess weight and breast cancer, especially if the weight gain is after menopause. The extra fatty tissue is a source of circulating estrogen in your body. As stated above in the GENDER risk factor, estrogen stimulates cell growth in the breast.

EAT THE RIGHT FOODS: A low-fat high-fiber diet can help reduce your risk of breast cancer and other diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Try to eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables every day.

There are also some specific foods and supplements that can be very effective in your efforts to reduce the risk of breast cancer:

*FLAXSEED: Flaxseed is a supplement comprised of phytoestrogens, naturally occurring compounds that decrease estrogen production in your body, hindering the growth of breast cancer.

*OLIVE OIL: Olive oil contains oleic acid that is effective in destroying a protein that causes the growth of breast cancer tumors.

*FISH OIL: A diet rich in fish oils can be effective in preventing the development of breast tumors. Fish oil supplements are just as effective as eating the fish. Fish oil, like flaxseed, contains healthy OMEGA-3 fatty acids.

*CARROTS: Consuming foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, protects the body from damaging molecules called free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to cells through oxidation that can lead to a variety of chronic illnesses such as cancer.

*FOLIC ACID: (folate) is highly effective in preventing breast cancer in both pre- and post-menopausal women. Foods high in folic acid are green, leafy vegetables, whole wheat bread, oranges, poultry, and fortified cereals.

LIMIT ALCOHOL: The more alcohol a woman drinks, the higher the risk of developing breast cancer. If you must drink, limit your intake to one small drink a day.

EXERCISE: Regular exercise provides a multitude of health benefits for your body including protection against many chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Exercising at least 30 minutes every day can decrease your hormone levels, lowering your risk of breast cancer.

There is nothing you can do that will guarantee a cancer-free life. All women are at risk for getting breast cancer. However, lifestyle changes, eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and regular breast cancer screening can significantly reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

Chris Chenoweth, author of the money-home-biz.com DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, writes articles pertaining to diet, exercise, health, and business.

Tags: breast cancer, cancer prevention, lung cancer

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Cancer does not affect just one part of your body—it affects all of you and everything in your life. Clinically, it is a disease that manifests itself as dysfunctions in cells that lead to rapid, unstructured growth. These defective cells either kill healthy cells or form tumors. So a holistic approach is needed in treating it. Cancer treatment involves a total care for the patient’s mind, body and spirit.

Cancer treatment centers are equipped with a dedicated team of experts who provide comprehensive, personalized treatment. This team helps the patient fight the cancer on many fronts, through a combination of medical, nutritional, physical, psychological and spiritual therapies. There are a number of different medical procedures used to treat cancer. The three common methods of cancer treatment are surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. These methods of treatment have been carried out for a very long time. The type of cancer, the extent of the disease, and the general state of the patient’s health are all influential factors in determining the most appropriate cancer treatment combination.

If suffering from this dreadful disease is not horrifying enough, the treatment itself can be such a traumatic experience that these treatment centers become a cancer patient’s greatest ally when it comes to fighting the cancer. Along with innovative cancer treatment a cancer patient needs compassion, which these treatment centers provide. They know that a cancer patient is fighting for his life, and their mission is to arm him with every choice, offer him every chance, and empower him to victory.

They believe in a patient’s fundamental right to be informed about, and to choose, the best available options for his treatment, and they encourage the patient and his family to be fully involved in every decision.

In order to achieve their goals the treatment centers must also include clinical trials, comprehensive education programs and research-backed programs for the latest information about both common and rare cancers.

e-TreatmentCenters.com Treatment Centers provides detailed information on Treatment Centers, Drug Treatment Centers, Cancer Treatment Centers, Alcohol Treatment Centers and more. Treatment Centers is affiliated with e-DrunkDriving.com Drunk Driving Accidents.

Tags: cancer patient, cancer treatment, chemotherapy

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Undergoing any of the breast exam procedures may be taxing, but the benefits can be life saving. The earlier a cancerous lump is discovered, the higher is its chance of getting healed. How often should women go through breast screening exams?

According to the U.S. Institute for Clinical Systems Integration, women between the ages 35 and 40 with high risk factors should undergo baseline mammogram. High risk factors include a family history of breast cancer and old age among others. On the other hand, all women between the ages 40 and 49 should undergo mammogram at least once every 2 years. Furthermore, women ages 50 and above should have an annual mammogram. Other experts, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, advocates those women under the age of 40 and who do not have any breast cancer risk factors do not necessarily need to have breast cancer exams by their doctor. Additionally, they say that women with no risk factors do not need to go for a mammogram until age 50. They also say that older women ages 75 and above with no prior history of cancer can forego mammogram screening.

Another respected organization, the American Cancer Society, recommends that women should commence mammogram exams every one to two years by the age of 40. The U.S. Institute for Clinical Systems Integration makes a similar recommendation. After comparing the various researches made around the world regarding the benefits and harms of mammogram performed to women below the age of 50, the National Cancer Institute concluded that there are no clear benefits or harms a woman can get from undergoing mammogram before reaching 50 years old. It is therefore important to discuss these matters with your doctor to clear things up. Whether you will undergo mammogram or not, it is good to remember that routine self-breast exam and clinical breast exam are important steps in the early detection of breast cancer.

It is recommended that a breast self-exam, or BSE, be routinely done every month. This will greatly increase the likelihood of detecting breast cancer in its early stages. A monthly breast self-exam is even recommended by the American Cancer Society for all women ages 19 and above. This procedure is fairly easy to do and most women without any disability can perform the test in the privacy of their own room or in the bathroom. Around menstruation time, a woman’s breast may feel lumpy, tender and swollen. These are normal occurrences. If you perform a monthly exam on your breast, you will develop familiarity with its feel, shape and size. This familiarity will enable you to detect any changes should these happen. While doing the breast self-exam, it is important to take notice some new and developing occurrences:

1. New lumps and changes in the size and shape of already existing lumps.

2. You should always be keen in looking for changes in the shape and breast contour including any unusual swelling.

3. Skin color and texture changes in your breast are also important signs.

4. Look for skin rash, dimpling, crusting and puckering especially around the nipple area.

5. Fluid leaking from the nipple should also be noticed.

Finally, even if you develop any of the above signs, do not get emotionally upset. These do not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. Most breast lumps are not even cancerous. Always inform your doctor about your discovery so that more tests can be done to rule out breast cancer.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to breast-cancer-guideto.com/ Breast Cancer

Tags: breast cancer, cancer risk

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