Diet and Exercise

IT’S NORMAL FOR A CANCER DIAGNOSIS TO TRIGGER QUESTIONS, fears and feelings of being out of control of your life. Fortunately, there’s something you can do today to take charge of your health and your life: Start an exercise program.
“While exercise is an important prescription for anyone, it’s especially beneficial for those who have been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy,” says Harry Raftopoulos, M.D., director of respiratory oncology at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and author of Exercises for Chemotherapy Patients. “The evidence is clear that exercise is indeed a cancer-fighting tool that increases energy, controls symptoms and improves quality of life.”

Exercise Benefits
When undergoing chemo, people often feel too weak to start a major exercise program. But even light exercise, such as a daily walk around the block, can be beneficial. Plus, many stretching and weight-training exercises can be tailored to your capabilities and done while sitting or lying down.

Studies show most people receiving chemo who incorporate exercise into their lives have:

Shorter hospital stays
Less decline in physical functioning
Significantly less fatigue and emotional distress
Better sleep
Increased self-esteem and confidence
Fewer side effects
“In addition, just the act of exercising can help you feel like you have more control over your body and your life — an important issue for people who are living with the uncertainties that come with a cancer diagnosis,” says Raftopoulos.