Can sports and physical activity be helpful during cancer treatment?
August 1, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Gerd Herrmann
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Helma Dietrich and I am currently in the middle of my cancer treatment. I have heard that exercise and physical activity can have a positive impact on the course of the disease, but I am unsure whether I should start during treatment.
I am 52 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer three months ago. Since then, I have already had surgery and am now undergoing chemotherapy. The treatment is very taxing on my body and I often feel weak and exhausted. I am wondering if it would be wise to start exercising now or if I could potentially overexert my body.
On the other hand, I have read that exercise and physical activity not only improve physical fitness, but also strengthen the immune system and can alleviate the side effects of treatment. I want to do everything I can to support my healing process and am wondering if exercise and physical activity could help.
Could you please advise me on whether it is advisable to exercise during my cancer treatment, and if so, what type of exercise would be most suitable? Are there specific exercises I can do to improve my fitness without overdoing it?
I am very concerned about my health and would greatly appreciate your assessment and recommendations. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Helma Dietrich
Dear Mrs. Dietrich,
Thank you for your question regarding sports and exercise during your cancer treatment. It is understandable that you are thinking about how you can support your healing process. In fact, exercise can have a positive impact on the course of the disease, but it is important to consider this in light of your individual situation.
First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that during your cancer treatment, you should listen to your body. If you feel weak and exhausted, it may not be advisable to start with intense exercise right away. It is important that you pay attention to the signals your body is sending and do not overexert yourself.
However, this does not mean that you have to completely forego sports and exercise. In fact, moderate physical activities such as walks, light gymnastics, or yoga can help improve your fitness without overwhelming your body. These activities can help strengthen your muscles, increase your flexibility, and improve your mood.
Furthermore, studies have shown that sports and exercise can strengthen the immune system, which is particularly important during cancer treatment. By engaging in regular physical activity, you can boost your defenses and reduce the risk of infections.
If you are unsure about what type of exercise is best for you, I recommend speaking with your treating physician. He or she can provide you with individual advice and, if necessary, involve a physiotherapist to help you select appropriate exercises.
In summary, moderate physical activity during your cancer treatment can indeed be beneficial, as long as you pay attention not to overexert yourself. Listen to your body's signals, stay in close contact with your doctor, and start slowly with light exercises. I wish you all the best for your healing process and am available for further questions.
Sincerely,
Gerd Herrmann
