As I’m sure you know, I’m on my post chemotherapy/operative journey with “Lumpy” (an affectionate name I gave my HER2+ Breast Cancer). Throughout my journey I documented my holistic practices and posted workouts on social media of me training whilst coping with the rigours of treatment.
My exercise kept me healthy, more importantly it kept my sanity 😁
But what about the known benefits of exercise for cancer patients as a whole? Does it benefit everyone? Should everyone remain active? What does active look like?
My active meant working out in a Gym but for others active could simply mean getting up and out of a chair more often – we certainly aren’t all the same.
More research has now uncovered the many benefits of exercise after diagnosis but before treatment (prehabilitation), during treatment, and after treatment (rehabilitation) for the vast majority of cancer patients.
Let’s look at these 3 areas in a little more detail below!
Prehabilitation Exercise
Evidence to date suggests that it is very safe and feasible to undertake exercise in the weeks leading up to surgery and during neoadjuvant treatment. Prehabilitation has been shown to reduce incidence and severity of post-operative stress and complications, enhances early discharge from hospital and improves clinical outcomes by optimising cardiopulmonary reserve prior to surgery.
During Treatment
Current evidence supports exercise during treatment to prevent decline in functional outcomes without increasing fatigue. Positive effects on psychological wellbeing such as anxiety and depression can also be achieved. Many side effects such as Lymphedema are also helped with progressive resistance exercise.
Rehabilitation Exercise
Post treatment many patients experience a plethora of adverse effects of treatments. There is sufficient evidence to recommend exercise as an effective way to recover physical function, manage fatigue, improve quality of life and mental health, and control body weight.
As I type, my husband Marc and I have just finished our 3rd day on the Can Rehab Level 4 Cancer Rehabilitation course. Post completion we will be widening our services to include specific cancer exercise rehabilitation for our community. Currently I have the immense privilege of supporting 3 awesome clients on their own unique cancer journey.
1 in 2.5 people will develop cancer in their lifetimes – a staggering statistic!
I’m simply using my experience to help as many beautiful souls as possible.
Stay awesome and have a great weekend!
Vanessa x
