Cancer is characterised by the uncontrolled growth and reproduction of cells in a particular area of the body. With over 200 distinct types, cancerous cells have the ability to invade and harm nearby healthy tissues and affect the surrounding organs. Muscle wasting is the hallmark of cancer and is associated with serious clinical consequences such as physical impairment, poor quality of life, reduced tolerance to treatments and shorter survival. Recent statistics show that females accounted for 51.3% of cancers diagnosed in South Africa while males accounted for 48.6% yearly.
Depending on the stage, type and area of the cancer, your healthcare provider will suggest the most effective treatment to target the affected area. This can include therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, surgery or bone marrow therapy. However, as effective and helpful as these treatments can be , they have negative effects on your overall health and wellbeing.
Less than 25% of cancer patients are active or partake in physical activity. Cancer patients avoid physical activity, not only because of the negative physical effects but rather because patients feel overwhelmed with guidelines and don’t know where to start, cancer treatment-related fatigue delays getting started, fear of injury, lack of education about the benefits, lack of support and guidance and simply partaking in exercises you do not enjoy. However, knowing what to expect — from diagnosis to recovery — empowering patients to take control of their health is a key role physiotherapists have to play.
Physical activity refers to any movement of the body that requires the use of skeletal muscles and leads to energy expenditure. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including everyday tasks like walking or cycling, engaging in active play, and work-related movements, and participating in recreational activities such as exercising at a gym, dancing, or gardening. The benefits of physical which are not limited to:
- Enhancement of the immune system giving one more energy and strength to fight against the harmful effects of cancer.
- Lowers oestrogen levels by decreasing body fat making it easier to move.
- Lowers Systemic Inflammation reducing overall aches and pains.
- Improves body composition reducing the effects of muscle wasting and fatigue.
- Improves heart and lung function which are vital organs.
- Lowers stress hormones, improving your overall mood.
- Improves cognition and brain function.
Most importantly, compared to other cancer treatments, physical activity has no toxic side effects, shows significant safety, and reduces treatment-related adverse events and it is free!
The World Health Organisation recommends that to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer, adults should engage in:
- 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity
- 75 to 100 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity. This physical activity can be done in episodes of any length.
- Muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week
- Balance training such as yoga or stretching, in addition to aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity
Exercise can thus improve your overall strength, mood, and well-being. But even better, it has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence and increase the survival rate post-cancer diagnosis. Studies have found that people diagnosed with cancer who regularly exercise reduced their risk of dying from all causes by 25% compared with people with cancer who do not exercise, and the median survival time is increased around five years. This is achieved by the immune system which can effectively prevent the occurrence, development, and metastasis of primary tumours through immune surveillance. Immune cells can recognize tumor-specific antigens and destroy cancer cells. Recently, some studies suggested that the modulation of the immune system through physical activity can significantly affect the exercise-dependent prevention of tumor metastasis.
Although the benefits of exercise are well-known, getting started, staying consistent, and being motivated can be difficult. It can be scary to think about asking others for support but as physiotherapists, we are part of the support team that will be able to guide you on your journey.