Samaritan Health Services

A common misconception about cancer treatments is that patients should eliminate physical activity and save their energy reserves to help them get through treatment and side-effects such as fatigue, nausea and pain.  

Research has shown, however, that maintaining mild to moderate activity levels can ward off side-effects and prevent potential problems such as immobility, stiffness, constipation, skin sores, poor appetite and mental challenges. Findings also show physical activity can help speed recovery, reduce the amount of medication needed through treatment and even decrease the recurrence of cancer.  

Staying as active as the body will allow is important. It will help with independently performing activities of daily living and maintaining crucial muscle strength so that people will be on the road to active living beyond cancer treatments.  

Exercise can also have emotional benefits. Activities incorporating a mental component such as yoga and Tai Chi have been found to alleviate anxiety, reduce stress and provide people with a renewed sense of well-being.  

Physical activity produces endorphins, the bodies’ natural pain relievers, helping with pain control, depression and mood, in some cases. When people stay active, that added sense of control, can boost confidence. Maintaining physical fitness can improve self-image and social interactions. Lastly, sleep can improve through remaining active.  

Because of the often compromised physical state during treatments, extra precautions must be taken to exercise safely. Because each person begins treatment at a unique level of fitness, it is important to start with mild activities independently, walking or performing an active or passive range of motion exercises. From there, as the body is able, exercise can be increased. Following activity guidelines as set by a health care provider is a must.  

Listening to the body during exercise is essential. If people experience increased pain, fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, numbness or tingling during or after exercise, they should discontinue the activity until speaking with their doctor. Many symptoms seem obvious, but they can become muddled in the context of treatment-related side effects.  

If there is any question if an activity is beneficial, patients should talk to their doctors before continuing. Ongoing communication with a health care provider throughout treatment is essential to maintain an optimal fitness level. Once treatments are over, increasing physical activity at a pace that is comfortable is important. Staying fit during and beyond cancer is a journey taken one step at a time.  

Rachel Fuss is the director of the Samaritan Albany Cancer Resource Center.