The Benefits of Exercise After Cancer Treatment: A Doctor’s Perspective

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In the battle against cancer, it’s necessary to arm yourself with all the tools available. Cancer treatment is a challenging process that can take over your life for a period of time. When it ends, it’s important to continue taking care of yourself in order to keep the disease from returning. A healthy lifestyle is paramount when fighting any kind of chronic illness, and exercise is one of the best weapons in your arsenal. If you’ve recently completed cancer treatment and are beginning to resume your normal life again, adding regular exercise as well as other healthy habits can go a long way towards keeping your body strong and reducing your risks for recurrence or future cancers. Here are some top benefits of exercise after cancer treatment.

Physical Benefits of Exercise After Cancer Treatment

There are many physical benefits of exercise after cancer treatment. Some of these include: – Cancer-Fighting Properties – Physical activity can have cancer-fighting properties as well. One study found that people who exercised regularly had lower numbers of circulating neutrophils, a type of immune cell associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. – Improved Immune Function – Exercising regularly also helps improve immune function, which can prevent infections and make you less susceptible to side effects from cancer treatment. – Stronger Heart – Regular exercise can also improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease, which is especially important for cancer patients who are at a higher risk for blood clots and other heart issues. – Better Sleep – Exercise can also help you sleep better, which is especially beneficial after cancer treatment when you may have more trouble sleeping. – Weight Loss – Finally, exercise is one of the best ways to lose weight and keep it off.

Mental Health Benefits of Exercise After Cancer Treatment

Exercising regularly also has mental health benefits after cancer treatment. Some of these include: – Improved Mood – Regular exercise can help improve your mood and even prevent depression, making it one of the best tools you have in your fight against mental health issues. – Improved Brain Function – Stronger muscles can also help improve brain function and reduce the effects of aging. – Social Support – Exercising regularly can provide social support and help you meet other people who are going through similar things. – Self-Esteem – Finally, exercise can help increase your self-esteem and help you feel better about yourself.

Exercise During Cancer Treatment Helps Maintain Fitness

Exercising during cancer treatment is key to maintaining fitness. This can help you avoid regaining weight you’d lost during treatment and help you stay strong for recovery. Some of these benefits include: – Weight Maintenance – Maintaining a regular exercise routine can help you maintain the weight loss you achieved during treatment, which can reduce your risk of recurrence and future cancers. – Improved Cardiovascular Fitness – Increased cardiovascular fitness can also help reduce your risk of certain complications, such as blood clots, during and after treatment. – Stronger Muscles – Stronger muscles are also important for recovery. They can help reduce your risk of injury while lifting, lifting heavy objects, or moving around. They can also help improve your mobility and help you get around more easily.

Helping Yourself Stay Strong for Recovery

Exercising after cancer treatment can help you stay strong for recovery. By building and maintaining your muscles, you’ll be better equipped to handle the stress of treatment and be able to recover more quickly. A quicker recovery can help you return to your normal life more quickly and reduce the length of time that treatment disrupts your life. Some of these benefits include: – Stronger Immune System – Stronger muscles can also help improve your immune system and make you less susceptible to side effects from cancer treatment. – Stronger Heart – Stronger muscles can also help improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease, which is especially important for cancer patients who are at a higher risk for blood clots and other heart issues. – Better Sleep – Stronger muscles can also help improve your sleep. After cancer treatment, you may have more trouble sleeping, but building muscles can help you sleep more soundly throughout the night.

Bottom line: Yes, exercise after cancer treatment is important!

Exercise after cancer treatment is important for a variety of reasons. It can help you maintain fitness, stay strong for recovery, and even improve your mental health. All of these benefits can help you live a more normal life after treatment. So make sure to keep exercising as part of your healthy lifestyle after cancer.