PERRY BUCHANAN: Exercising during cancer treatment

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and while breast cancer death rates have declined, it’s still the most common cancer among women in the United States, after skin cancer. About 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer at some point in their life. Through the power of great awareness marketing, the color pink is now synonymous with breast cancer. This time of year, how can anyone not think pink? Almost all of us have been affected by breast cancer, either personally or through our family and friends. I know I certainly have become much more aware of it over the last few years. It has affected my mom and many friends and clients. Fortunately, through greater awareness and medical science, we have made a lot of progress, but still have a long way to go.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), there are more than 100 different diseases that are classified as “cancer.” The common thread among these different types of cancers is that they all start as abnormal cells that grow out of control in some part of the body. The most common cancers occurring in men are prostate, lung and colorectal cancers. In women, after breast cancer, lung and colorectal cancers are the most common.

An increasing number of studies have examined the benefits of exercising during cancer treatment. Research evidence suggests that exercise can have a positive impact on body weight, overall fitness, muscle strength, flexibility and quality of life, as well as on symptoms such as pain and fatigue. A recent study found benefits of exercise for women with breast cancer participating in a resistance training program during chemotherapy. They had dose reductions and fewer delays in their chemotherapy treatments.

Exercise prescriptions should closely follow the published guidelines of The American College of Sports Medicine. Individuals are potentially different in their responses to cancer treatment. Exercise programs may need to be modified to allow for “down” days in the treatment cycle. This may mean avoiding or scaling back exercise on days when side effects from treatment are more pronounced. If an individual is not regularly active and wishes to start an exercise program during cancer treatment, they may need to start with low intensity exercise, consisting of slow walks, and gradually progress exercise over time. If they will be receiving chemotherapy, it may be wise to wait one chemotherapy cycle to see the response to treatment prior to starting an exercise program.

Individuals undergoing cancer treatment should:

— Obtain approval from their oncologist (cancer doctor) before starting an exercise program;

— Have vital signs monitored regularly. If participating in more vigorous exercise, have their blood pressure and heart rate monitored before, during and after exercise to ensure that participation in exercise is appropriate and safe;

— Exercise with a partner, caregiver or exercise professional for safety reasons;

— Avoid public activities like swimming, where there may be an increased risk of exposure to viral or bacterial infection;

— Stop exercise and contact their doctor if they have any unusual symptoms during exercise or after an exercise session including dizziness, chest pain, muscle cramps, or unusual joint pain.

Although exercise may be an effective intervention for cancer patients undergoing treatment, it is important to recognize there may be factors that make it too risky at times to exercise. According to the ACS, the following are specific precautions to be aware of during cancer treatment:

— If the red blood cell count is low (anemia), the body’s ability to carry oxygen to the tissues is reduced;

— If the white blood cell count is low, the body’s ability to fight infection is reduced.

— If platelet count is low, there is an increased risk of bruising and bleeding. Avoid contact sports or activities with high risk of injury or falling. Report any unusual bruising or symptoms, such as nose bleeds, to a doctor;

— Side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea, and symptoms such as swollen ankles, unexplained weight loss, weight gain, or shortness of breath with low levels of exertion may make exercise unsafe. Check with a doctor before exercising.

Research evidence suggests that individuals with cancer who follow recommended guidelines and observe specific precautions can safely exercise during cancer treatment.

Perry Buchanan, owner of PT Gym, is certified as an Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Email him at [email protected]. Follow @ptgym on Twitter.