Too Young For This Shit

Physical fitness is a vital component in the fight against cancer.

While it is certainly not a cure for the disease, it has been shown to decrease the possibility of ever having cancer, improves the body's response to cancer treatments and heightens survival rates. Multiple studies have been done to prove these factors.

The United States' Center for Disease Control states that research studies have definitively shown that a moderate amount of physical exercise significantly decreases the risk of developing colon or breast cancers. Research is ongoing to prove the same for endometrial and lung cancers although current evidence is pointing to another positive link.

However, one of the most important benefits of exercise to cancer survivors or to those who are currently undergoing treatment is that fitness improves one's quality of life by increasing his energy level and improving his mood and outlook. It may seem rather ironic that exercising can actually decrease fatigue. Research has proven that mild to moderate exercise will improve wakefulness better than a nap does.

In addition, maintaining an appropriate level of physical fitness will improve one's mood. This holds true for people undergoing many different types of treatments from the common cancers treatment like breast cancer to the rare cancer treatment like mesothelioma. Treatments may be seen to be discouraging by patients since results are not often seen immediately. However, exercise increases the body's level of certain hormones or chemicals that create a sense of happiness and contentment. One of the most famous of these is serotonin. Almost any kind of exercise will benefit an individual this way.

Yoga, pilates, walking and biking are some of the favorites among able patients. Of course, one's doctor should certainly be consulted before beginning any new fitness program. Certain cancers or treatments may include exercise restrictions. For example, those with bone cancer or mesothelioma may suffer from extreme pain. Sometimes the doctor may be able to prescribe medication that the patient can take immediately before planned exercise sessions.

Cancer is a physically and emotionally difficult disease for anyone to have. Even cancer survivors still see these struggles. However, research and many patients' personal experiences point to physical fitness as a way to improve coping.

By: David Haas

David Haas is an Awareness Program Advocate with the team over at: mesothelioma.com/. Cancer fighters and survivors would do well to check them out.

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