Researchers at Karolinska Institute in Sweden have found a likely explanation of why exercise helps slow down cancer growth. Their research showed that exercise affects the production of several molecules that activate cancer-fighting immune cells which inhibit cancer growth. Exercise changed the metabolism of the immune system’s cytotoxic T cells, thereby improving their ability to attack cancer cells. Cancer cell growth slowed and mortality decreased in the trained group, compared to the untrained group.
Women who engaged in regular exercise before their cancer diagnosis and after treatment were more than 40 percent less likely to have their cancer come back or to die from the disease than were breast cancer patients who were inactive.
Best Exercises for Cancer Recovery The best exercises for someone recovering from breast cancer include aerobic exercise, strength training, stretching using relaxation breathing, and balance and posture work. The particular surgery, treatments, fitness level and healing speed will guide the progression of the exercises. The recovery process is always changing and it will be important to regularly monitor blood count, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and fatigue. For more information click here.
I have been advocating and offering exercise for cancer patients for over 25 years. Cancer exercise programs need to be made available to all. Contact me for the exercise oncology schedule.