In 2010 a report entitled American College of Sports Medicine's Roundtable on Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors emphasized the importance of fitness for cancer patients. It stated that exercise helps with fatigue, physical functioning, and overall quality of life. Doctors began encouraging their patients to get moving and this is definitely a good thing. But I think they have focused on one activity (yoga) and ignored the actual recommendations. What exactly are the guidelines for cancer patients?
Here are some resources on exercise and cancer patients: (ignore the advice about doing yoga)
NCCN Exercise Guidelines
This article is a good summary of what a cancer patient needs to do. It also makes an excellent point: see a Physical Therapist! Here's what it says:
"The sooner you start exercising, the better you'll feel, the fewer medications you're likely to need, and the lower your risk will be for complications, says Andréa Leiserowitz, physical therapy supervisor at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, an affiliate of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. She recommends implementing an exercise routine before treatment gets underway - especially if you have been inactive.
Leiserowitz advises asking your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist who works with cancer patients and can design an individualized exercise program. For example, exercises can be prescribed to improve range of motion and prevent lymphedema, a chronic arm swelling that affects some breast cancer patients after lymph node removal."
Rehab for Cancer Patients
This article explains the importance of physical therapy and other rehab professions in cancer treatment
STAR Cancer Rehab Program
A nationally recognized program that provides training and certification to hospitals and treatment centers so they can help deal with the after-effects of cancer. This page has resources for patients to find a STAR center near them and explains the importance of professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists in cancer care.
This is another place to find rehab; make sure to select a PT with a cancer specialty
LANA Lymphedema Therapist Locator
Breast cancer patients or anybody with lymphedema issues should definitely see a certified lymphedema therapist. For more info on the matter check out the National Lymphedema Network.
LANA Lymphedema Therapist Locator
Breast cancer patients or anybody with lymphedema issues should definitely see a certified lymphedema therapist. For more info on the matter check out the National Lymphedema Network.
I also want to mention that it is vital that all Cancer patients should get clearance from their doctor and/or surgeon before embarking on any exercise program!! Especially Breast Cancer Patients!!
This is a booklet created by the American Cancer Society that contains both exercise and nutrition recommendations. Despite the title it includes guidance for folks who are in active treatment.
During my own recovery I had to go through a lot of trial and error to find the right program for me. I'm a breast cancer survivor and it was essential that I not overdo it. Lymphedema is a big issue. What worked for me?
I found a physical therapist who was also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. I had some unusual swelling. I think the NCCN article has it right: all cancer patients should see a physical therapist to design an individualized program. Each cancer is different and each patient is different. One size does not fit all and that includes Yoga classes.
Exercise Safety for Breast Cancer Patients
This is a short article discussing the issue of lymphedema and exercise. It examines activities which can possibly trigger this condition and provides guidelines for selecting a workout.
I also found a good explanation on how to individualize workouts for patients in this Lancet Oncology article. (Summary) It makes the point that there are too many variables among patients to NOT have individualized plans. Also, make sure to check the graphic of specifics regarding frequency, intensity,reps, etc.
Exercise Safety for Breast Cancer Patients
This is a short article discussing the issue of lymphedema and exercise. It examines activities which can possibly trigger this condition and provides guidelines for selecting a workout.
I also found a good explanation on how to individualize workouts for patients in this Lancet Oncology article. (Summary) It makes the point that there are too many variables among patients to NOT have individualized plans. Also, make sure to check the graphic of specifics regarding frequency, intensity,reps, etc.
Let me summarize the main points about exercise:
- Absolutely positively get clearance from your doctor before starting; use good judgment when undergoing difficult treatments
- See a physical therapist to create an individualized plan. Many insurances will pay for it. I have an HMO and it paid for it. Take the initiative; don't expect your doctor to suggest this. Mine didn't but I'm glad I went to a PT (even a couple of visits are worth it) Breast Cancer patients should see a Certified Lymphedema Therapist to deal with their particular issues
- Cancer patients should strive to get cardio,strength training and stretching depending on their condition
A question arises: where does Yoga fit in here? It's not cardio and it's not strength training. I don't know about you but cardio is the most important part of my workout plan. I'm battling hypertension. osteoporosis, and middle age spread. Cardio and weight training are the best activities for these afflictions. I found an interesting comment in the ACS Guidelines. On page 29 it states the following about Yoga:
"Is Yoga Helpful to cancer survivors?
Most of the studies of yoga in cancer have been in breast
cancer patients. The results found that yoga can be helpful in terms of
anxiety, depression, distress, and stress. It didn’t seem to be as helpful for
more physical outcomes , such as body composition, fitness, and muscle
strength. More research is needed, but to get the most benefit, it may be best
to combine yoga with aerobic exercise and resistance (weight) training."
Honestly, who has the time? Who wants to focus all that time and energy on an activity with limited results? As for the anxiety and depression nothing beats a beautiful walk in the sunshine. I think I'll stick to my plan. Here's my program:
Walking 5 days a week
I started walking the first week after surgery for 5 minutes each day. I'm now up to 30-35 minutes. Sometimes I walk outside or I'll use a treadmill.
Strength Training 3 days a week
My physical therapist created a program using theraband resistance bands. It's great! I can train anytime, anywhere.
Stretching 6 Days a Week
I started doing daily stretching about one week after my surgery. I needed to do very specific exercises due to the type of surgery. I still do these stretches regularly.
Walking 5 days a week
I started walking the first week after surgery for 5 minutes each day. I'm now up to 30-35 minutes. Sometimes I walk outside or I'll use a treadmill.
Strength Training 3 days a week
My physical therapist created a program using theraband resistance bands. It's great! I can train anytime, anywhere.
Stretching 6 Days a Week
I started doing daily stretching about one week after my surgery. I needed to do very specific exercises due to the type of surgery. I still do these stretches regularly.
