The Benefits of Exercising During and After Cancer Treatment
Written by David Haas

Anyone who has gone through cancer treatment knows that exercise is usually the last thing on your mind after a round of therapy. In fact, until recently most doctors recommended resting instead of physical exertion, fearing that patients who tired themselves out might only get worse. However, as of 2010, the American Society of Clinical Oncology has begun recommending exercise programs both for those in treatment and in remission.

Even those undergoing intense and draining procedures like mesothelioma treatment or stem cell transplants should try to at least go for a daily walk. The most obvious benefit of exercise is that it improves physical vigor. Many patients in treatment simply waste away, becoming weaker and more depressed as they watch their bodies deteriorate. You won’t turn into an Adonis going for a light jog in the mornings, but keeping yourself in shape can help improve your appetite and overall health, which otherwise would be just one more drag on your recovery.

Working out during cancer treatments is also good for your mental health. Exercise gives you a sense of control over your own body, something that often seems ripped away following a cancer diagnosis. Your life may be in the hands of others, and your body may be ravaged by sickness, but you can at least take power over your own muscles and lungs. Exercise also releases endorphins, chemicals released by your brain that lift your mood. Between these two side effects, patients can see their outlook improve considerably. In the worst moments of cancer treatment, any extra ounce of positive thoughts can be a godsend.

Of course, someone in the middle of chemotherapy should not be attempting to run a marathon. Your physician will be able to recommend programs or a fitness regimen that best suits your condition. Weaker individuals can find a positive, relaxing experience in Yoga classes, while someone who was in good shape before his or her diagnosis could undertake a more rigorous cardiovascular routine. Always remember that moderation is the key to a healthy balance of recovery and exercise.

The period between learning you have cancer and becoming a cancer survivor is a frightening, exhausting experience. There may be days when you feel too sick to move. However, regular exercise can make a significant difference in how you cope during this time. It’s not a cure, but it’s one of the best and cheapest treatments you can give yourself. Don’t let yourself go after everything else in your life changes; it doesn’t matter how little you can manage, any amount of exercise helps when undergoing cancer treatments and may even provide some protection against it returning. So get out there, take a walk and see how much better you feel after only half an hour.