Studies have shown that exercising not only helps the body stay healthy but also promotes the healing and recovery process during and after cancer. Hence, engaging in exercise during cancer treatment proves to be an effective therapeutic approach for expediting the recovery process in patients.
Cancer is a complex disease and affects the lives of millions of people worldwide. While significant progress has been made in cancer treatment and management, the impact of cancer remains worrying. Each year, Vietnam records more than 200,000 new cases and up to 82,000 deaths. Genetics, lifestyle choices and environmental factors can influence cancer risk. It’s important to note that there are many measures we can take to reduce our risk of developing cancer and improve our outcomes if we are diagnosed with the disease. Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to do this.
Exercise offers many health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, controlling weight, and improving physical and mental performance. Additionally, research has found that exercise can reduce the risk of breast, colon, and prostate cancer, among other cancers. Furthermore, exercise can also be beneficial in cancer treatment, reducing side effects of therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation, enhancing bodily functions and in some cases, even increasing survival rate.
Exercise brings unexpected benefits to cancer patients.
Here are the benefits of exercise in preventing and treating cancer.
Prevent cancer
Here’s how you can prevent your risk of developing cancer by exercising regularly:
Reduce inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to the development of cancer. Exercise aids in diminishing inflammation by regulating the immune system and curbing the production of inflammatory cytokines.
Boost immune function
Exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on the immune system, which is important for preventing cancer. Due to increased immune cell circulation resulting from regular exercise, cancer cells may be more easily detected and removed before they have a chance to grow and spread.
Weight control
Breast, colon, and prostate cancers are just some of the cancers that increase significantly due to obesity. Therefore, by burning calories and increasing lean muscle mass, exercise can help people control their weight, helping to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Improve intestinal health
Cancer and gut health are closely related. Exercise can support gut health by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and reducing inflammation there. Doing this can reduce the risk of colon cancer and other cancers related to a damaged digestive system.
Cancer treatment
Here’s how regular exercise can help cancer patients during treatment:
Reduce side effects of cancer treatment
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer can have many side effects such as pain, nausea and fatigue. Therefore, by increasing overall fitness and reducing signs of inflammation in the body, exercise can help reduce these side effects.
Improve mental health
Cancer can negatively impact mental health, leading to emotional problems such as depression and anxiety. Exercise has been shown to counteract this to improve mood and reduce signs of anxiety and depression in cancer patients.
Improve physical function
Cancer therapy can cause muscle degeneration and reduced physical ability. Therefore, strength, flexibility and general physical function can all be improved by exercise, which can enhance quality of life and reduce the likelihood of injury.
Regular exercise is important for preventing and treating cancer. It may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, improve the prognosis for those who have already been diagnosed, and improve overall quality of life. Cancer patients should consult their healthcare provider before starting an exercise program to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their needs. Additionally, it is important to note that the type and intensity of exercise may vary depending on the stage of cancer and the individual’s health status. Furthermore, it is important to incorporate exercise into a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention and treatment, including a healthy diet, stress management, and other healthy lifestyle choices. . Therefore, by incorporating these strategies, individuals can reduce their cancer risk and improve their overall health and well-being.
