Since 2004 The World Health Organization has been warning of the need for action on the main risk factors in development of chronic disease (cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and some types of cancer), as these are the main cause of death and disability in the world. One current lifestyle change encouraging development of these diseases is the increase in sedentary lifestyle.
Currently 60% of the world’s population consider that they lead a sedentary life. In Spain the figure is similar at 55% of the population, but what is alarming is that this percentage has increased by 10% in the last decade.
We would therefore like to highlight specifically what several scientific studies have shown, that a sedentary lifestyle is one of the risk factors for cancer, especially in the case of breast and colon cancer. Patients who stop exercising after being diagnosed with cancer increase the risk of complications and of recurrence of the tumour.
In 1922 the first scientific article was written linking physical exercise with prevention of cancer. Since then, there have been multiple studies which have reached the following conclusions on the connection:
• The level of scientific evidence on the role of physical activity as a preventative factor is high, and convincing, in the case of breast cancer and colorectal cancer, it is probable in the case of prostate cancer and possible in lung and endometrial cancer.
• The beneficial effects of physical exercise in the prevention of cancer are dependent on the total amount of exercise performed (hours and intensity). Thus, higher levels of physical activity, measured in the hours practised on a weekly basis, are associated with a lower incidence of certain types of cancer (breast, colon, and prostate).
• In patients already treated, maintenance of physical activity reduces the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy whilst improving energy and decreasing fatigue. It improves self-esteem, decreases the level of dependency on other people, improves social relationships and improves quality of sleep. It decreases levels of anxiety, depression and stress, in addition it helps to control weight, and most importantly, reduces the risk of recurrence and mortality.
Movement implies an increase in energy requirements, mainly at a muscular level, but also in other organs such as those in the cardiovascular system, nervous system, respiratory system, metabolic system, and more. To respond to this increased demand in energy, the majority of systems are activated: the cardiovascular system to pump and carry more blood; the respiratory system to take in a greater amount of oxygen which is then transported in the blood to the muscles; the metabolic system to provide our muscles with the nutrients (carbohydrate and/or fat) required; as well as the nervous and hormonal systems which are responsible for coordinating all these processes.
This stimulation of every organ and system is linked to exercise, it causes medium term changes which improve performance and capacity. During exercise energy is used and function of most systems is modified. In the recovery phase balance is restored and function is improved as training is repeated. We all know that in biology there is one basic principle: “atrophy occurs in every organ or system that is not used or stimulated,” and physical exercise is a clear example of this.
Regular practice of physical exercise (between 3 and 5 times per week) promotes beneficial effects on our general health and also on our immune defences against cancer.
There is a widespread belief that the level of physical exercise required to obtain benefits should be so intensive that it really makes us suffer. Nothing could be further from the truth. All studies have shown that the main beneficial effects of exercise are obtained when it is carried out on a regular basis at a moderate intensity, a level at which it can be enjoyed.
It has been scientifically proven that correctly prescribed physical exercise can be practised without risk during, and after, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. However, it is necessary to adapt the intensity, duration, weekly frequency and type of exercise to the general condition of the patient. The key is to ensure that the exercise does not carry any risk, in other words, to wait until the surgeon gives the go ahead following surgery and/or wait until the oncologist considers that the patient’s general condition is suitable when undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
Dr. Hernán Cortés-Funes, Oncologist HC Marbella gives us the following advice: “The level depends on whether exercise was practised, and how fit a person was, before the cancer was diagnosed, as well as the type of cancer and the type of treatment”.
-If a person’s general condition has been badly affected by the cancer itself or by surgery-chemo-radiotherapy, and their physical condition is poor, intervention with a physiotherapist may initially be appropriate.
-If the person’s physical condition prior to the cancer was good, and the effect of the cancer or its treatment has not been very limiting, a physical therapist with a knowledge of pathology might be the appropriate professional.
-If the person suffering from cancer is in good physical shape and has some knowledge of training themselves then they could restart on their own. At HC we will always provide guidance on the best choice for you.
At HC Marbella we strongly recommend that you train physically in 3 different ways:
1.Cardiovascular capacity or aerobic capacity, which refers to the extent to which a physical exercise such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, dancing can be practised…
2.Muscular strength, which refers to the ability to overcome a determined resistance such as weight lifting, pushing, pulling…
3.Flexibility, which refers to having a range-of-motion in the joints which is as flexible as possible.
A person with cancer should perform exercises to improve in these three areas. In reality they are the same as any person should do, but at a lower intensity and duration.
September 7, 2017
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