Exercise can help cancer patients cope with therapy

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Patients having cancer treatment report better physical functioning if they take exercise, according to a new study.
Treatment for cancer can have profound side effects like fatigue, weight gain or loss, nausea or vomiting. A team at the University of Missouri-Columbia now shows what impact exercise has on these patients.

The impact was very positive. Patients reported improvements in physical functioning. This included aspects like ability to walk a certain distance or climb stairs - very important for patients with children or holding down a job. There were also benefits on body composition and symptoms like fatigue, nausea and vomiting. The researchers also found modest improvements in mood and quality of life. Further studies, using a standardized exercise program, should show more about the benefit of physical activity in cancer. Meanwhile, cancer patients might consider discussing types of exercise they might try with their doctor.

Source
Supportive Care in Cancer July 2006

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