Guest LCSC Info Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 What are your thoughts?: "Can exercise help treat or even prevent lung cancer?" Exercise and Lung Cancer Can Exercise Prevent Lung Cancer and Improve Survival? By Lynne Eldridge MD, About.com http://lungcancer.about.com/od/livingwi ... ercise.htm Can exercise help treat or even prevent lung cancer? It’s hard not to hear about the benefits of exercise these days. Open a magazine, turn on the TV, or watch runners on the sidewalk as you drive by -- it is clear that we are paying attention to fitness. Lung cancer is no exception. Being physically active not only helps prevent lung cancer in the first place, but it appears to improve survival and quality of life for those already diagnosed, according to a 2007 study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research's Sixth Annual International Conference on Cancer Prevention. Prevention of Lung Cancer The study found that physical activity is linked with a lower risk of developing lung cancer. And the benefit extends to everyone; men and women, as well as those who were smokers, former smokers, or had never touched a cigarette, all benefited from exercise. And, the activities evaluated did not require hours a day or a pricey health club membership. Even gardening two times a week was associated with a reduced risk. Improved Survival for Those Who Have Lung Cancer For both sexes, exercise reduced the risk of death from lung cancer, although the benefits seem greater in women. Improved Quality of Life Physical activity appears to improve quality of life for those with cancer in general. It also has been found to decrease cancer-related fatigue, one of the most distressing symptoms for many with cancer. Tips for Adding Physical Activity to Your Day As noted, the amount of physical activity needed to reduce the risk of lung cancer, and improve survival and quality of life in those with cancer, can be as simple as gardening a few times per week. Too many of us fail in our intentions to exercise because we set our goals too high. This can be harder yet for those dealing with the fatigue of cancer. What are a few simple things we can do to add physical activity to our days? [*]Plant a garden [*]Dance to the radio [*]Sign up for a yoga class. Yoga also appears to increase natural killer cells (a type of white blood cell) that feast on cancer cells. [*]Purchase a pedometer, and set a goal of a certain number of steps daily [*]Take the stairs instead of the elevator [*]Park as far as possible from your destination [*]Walk around an art gallery or museum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bud Baker Posted May 17, 2012 Share Posted May 17, 2012 Good stuff. I would just add that I think the best way to exercise regularly is to find an activity that you really like. For me, it's cycling. For many people, it's an activity they can do with a friend or group of friends. I think you just have to try things until you find what you really like. I don't think you can overstate the benefits of exercise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted May 28, 2012 Share Posted May 28, 2012 I certainly think there is something to this-exercise is a known stress reducer and if you believe stress is a causative factor in cancer (I do!) then exercise should reduce your risk. Definitely exercise improves quality of life, and I was told that if I could exercise even lightly during chemo, the side effects would be less. One thing for sure-exercise never is a bad thing! Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dianew Posted May 28, 2012 Share Posted May 28, 2012 I think regular exercise does much more for our bodies than we can even imagine. Can't put it much better than Bud did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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