Physical activity helps reduce certain side-effects during cancer.
Studies have shown that moderate physical activity can benefit the vitality of people going through cancer treatments and help reduce certain side-effects.
So, what are you waiting for? Get moving!
YOUR SYMPTOMS DURING CANCER
Fatigue is pretty much automatic with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. During and after your treatments, exercising regularly stimulates the immune defences, improves your quality of life and endurance, which means that the dreaded feeling of nausea and fatigue are reduced. Speak with your doctor for advice about any sports you would like to do.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
- Choose a sport that is adapted to your level, your fatigue, as well as your cancer. For example, avoid any abrupt movements if you have breast cancer (i.e. tennis, archery…); avoid sit-ups after lower abdomen surgery (i.e. Ovaries, prostate…).
- Choose moderate, adapted sports, such as walking, swimming or yoga.
- Try walking 30 to 45 minutes a day, 5 times a week. If this is too difficult, start with only 5 to 10 minutes and slowly increase your time.
- Accumulate your daily efforts: walking up stairs, walking to the shops, sweeping the floor…
- When exercising, remember to breathe deeply to get as much oxygen as possible to your blood.
- Wait 6 to 8 weeks after your operation before exercising in order to avoid scar tearing.
- Swimming is a good way to get flexibility back into the arm for those suffering from lymphedema.
- Stop if you feel any pain, vomiting or you are not feeling very well.
- Follow any physical activity with stretching and relaxation.
ADDITIONAL TIPS DURING CANCER
- Rinse yourself with fresh water after going to the swimming pool as chlorine can damage your skin, then apply a body moisturiser.
- If possible alternate your activities during the week: Gym, walking, swimming and light weights.
