How does sports affect the recovery of cancer patients?
October 19, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Marie Hahn
Dear Doctor,
My name is Hans Koch and I have recently been diagnosed with cancer. This news has completely turned my life upside down and I am thinking a lot about how I can best support my recovery. Sport has always been an important part of my life and I am wondering if and how physical activity can impact my healing process.
I have been an avid runner and regularly participated in races. However, since the diagnosis, I am afraid that exercise could further compromise my health. Are there specific exercises or sports that are particularly suitable for cancer patients? Can exercise actually help support my recovery and improve my quality of life?
I am worried that physical exertion could worsen my symptoms or lead to complications. Are there specific warning signs I should watch out for while exercising? Should I avoid certain sports to minimize my risk of further health issues?
I would greatly appreciate your expertise on this topic and would be thankful for recommendations and advice on how to safely incorporate exercise into my recovery process. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Hans Koch
Dear Mr. Koch,
I understand how overwhelming and frightening a cancer diagnosis can be and how important it is to do everything possible to support your recovery. It's great to hear that sports have been an important part of your life and that you want to continue to stay active to promote your health. In fact, physical activity can play a positive role in the recovery of cancer patients.
There are many studies showing that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of various types of cancer and improve the quality of life for cancer patients. Exercise can help increase endurance, strengthen the immune system, improve mood, and alleviate side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Furthermore, exercise can also help reduce the risk of comorbidities such as heart disease and diabetes.
As an avid runner, you already have a good foundation for physical activity. However, it is important to listen to your body and adjust your activities accordingly. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. It is advisable to consult with your treating physician or a physiotherapist to develop a tailored training program that takes into account your current health status.
There are no specific sports that are only suitable for cancer patients, but some activities such as yoga, Tai Chi, and swimming are often recommended as they are gentle on the body while promoting physical and mental health. Pay attention to warning signs during exercise such as dizziness, shortness of breath, pain, or excessive fatigue and listen to your body.
It is important to emphasize that each case is individual and what works well for one patient may not be suitable for another. Therefore, it is advisable to work with your medical team to develop a personalized training plan that meets your needs and health status.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I wish you all the best on your road to recovery. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Marie Hahn
