Exercise and Cancer

The benefits of exercise are indisputable but you may not know that physical activity has been shown to effect cancer recovery and cancer prevention. Today's guest blogger is David Haas, a cancer survivor, patient advocate, and researcher for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance


Cancer and Exercise: The Benefits are Enormous

No one wants to hear the word cancer, ever. There is nothing good about the word and what it means for anyone that has to hear it because it typically means that someone you love, or even you yourself has been diagnosed with the terrible illness and the road ahead is going to be a long, arduous one. Unfortunately, too many people are diagnosed every year with different forms of cancer, especially rare cancers such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma doctors, and other doctors that treat other forms of cancer, believe in the benefits of exercising whether you were recently diagnosed with cancer, are undergoing treatment for cancer or you have overcome cancer and are currently in remission.

You know that the benefits of exercise are enormous in your everyday life; healthier bodies are just a few of the benefits of exercise. But did you know that exercising while you are fighting cancer also has enormous health benefits? According to the New York Times, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center sponsors an aerobics class for cancer patients because doctors are so positive that the effects of good health and exercise are beneficial to patients in their attempt to overcome cancer.

It is no secret that working out is not everyone’s favorite activity, but it does make you feel better when you are finished. You feel healthier and your mood is improved because you’ve just done something good for yourself and your body. When you are undergoing cancer treatments, recently learned of a diagnosis or are in remission, the positive attitude – and other health benefits – attained from exercising is helpful to you. Doctors recommend exercising as much as possible, when possible during the course of your cancer treatments or diagnosis. Of course, not all cancer patients are in the position to work out at all times, but even light exercise such as a short walk each day is enough to boost health, both mentally and physically.

Wendy Rahn, a cancer survivor, stated that once she underwent her double mastectomy, her shoulders were in so much pain she was often hunched over and unable to stand straight. After doing some research she discovered that she may be able to alleviate the pain with exercise and decided to give it a go. Upon exercising, the pain was alleviated and she has since opened a fitness center in Minnesota designed to help cancer patients and survivors with their pain.