The Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients and Survivors, Debbie Hughes

In the past, people receiving a cancer diagnosis were told to get plenty of rest in order to stay strong and fight the cancer. Today, people living with cancer are advised to get out, get moving, and get fit in order to fight their diagnosis. Research has shown that cancer patients can and should exercise. Exercise has been shown to improve the quality of life for people living with cancer, turning cancer patients into survivors.

Strength for Life is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting cancer patients and survivors reclaim their life by providing them with FREE exercise classes. Each group session is lead by a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist who has the knowledge and experience to safely train persons who are in cancer related treatment or have recently ended treatment. Classes consist of aerobic conditioning, progressive strength training, range of motion exercises, and flexibility/stretching moves. In addition, the program educates cancer patients and the public on the benefits of exercise in reducing the risk of certain cancers, improving survivorship and enhancing functional activities.

Benefits of Exercise for Common Treatment Related Side Effects
Scientific research has proven that exercising during treatment greatly reduces fatigue, one of the most common and distressing side effects experienced by cancer patients. Anywhere from 60 – 100% of people living with cancer experience fatigue at some time during or after treatment. Patients have described their fatigue as an overwhelming or unusual whole body tiredness not easily relieved. Over time this profound feeling can lead to a decline in physical functioning. In one recent study, patients who engaged in an exercise program reported a significant reduction in treatment related fatigue and indicated that as exercise duration increased, the intensity of fatigue decreased.

Lymphedema, caused by excessive fluid, is an ongoing problem for some patients who have had lymph nodes removed or damaged during treatment. Known triggers are infection, injury, repetitive motion, air travel, insect bites, vigorous massage and being overweight. Rebounding, a form of exercise in which the participant compresses, jumps or jogs on a mini trampoline has proven to be especially beneficial for lymph movement. Rebounding is based on the principle that bouncing creates excess G (gravitational) forces on the body and hence stimulates lymphatic flow. The enhanced flow strengthens the body’s ability to fight infections and keep itself healthy. The effects of rebounding are immediate; it is possible to affect the lymph drainage within minutes. Another way to effectively move lymphatic fluid is by muscular contraction. The pumping action of the muscles when they are contracted promotes movement of lymphatic fluid through the body resulting in enhanced flow.

Although a majority of Americans suffer from back pain, the symptoms are magnified during cancer. Some surgeries performed to remove malignant tumors sever muscle bands and connective tissue, resulting in decreased range of motion, tightness and scar tissue. Exercise is extremely beneficial in increasing range of motion, improving scar tissue, and restoring functional capacity to a level that is sufficient for carrying out daily living activities.

Further benefits of exercise include reduced incidence of nausea (by as much as 50%), depression and anxiety, improved quality of life, higher tolerance to chemotherapy, and a decreased risk for osteoporosis.

All of the benefits indicated can be accomplished with as little as 10 minutes a day of exercise. There are many more benefits not mentioned and with each study done, proof is mounting that exercising during treatment is a must. Not only is exercise beneficial during treatment, but also it greatly increases survival post treatment. In 2005, JAMA stated that breast cancer survivors who exercised 3-5 hours a week decreased mortality rates by 50%. Further research suggests that for every 11 pounds a woman gains after being diagnosed with breast cancer the chances of disease related death increase by 14%. As you can see, maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy weight is essential for persons with or recovering from cancer.

Prior to Starting an Exercise Program
Before engaging in an exercise program, medical clearance is necessary. After receiving the doctor’s permission, a health history questionnaire and quality of life survey should be completed. With this information, the fitness specialist can formulate an exercise prescription designed especially for the individual. All programs should start out slow and progress at a pace that fits the client’s lifestyle.

Strength for Life was formed in memory of Evelyn Knapp, co-founder of the Personal Training Institute. Evelyn spent a lifetime promoting exercise and proper nutrition to thousands. Her knowledge, motivation and dedication helped inspire countless individuals to engage in a healthier lifestyle. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Evelyn continued exercising throughout treatment. She would say it gave her a feeling of control in an uncontrollable situation. From there she made a new commitment to promote exercise for cancer patients so they too would experience the benefits. In 2005 Evelyn’s passing ended her battle with cancer. Her mission, however, was not forgotten and Strength for Life was born to make her vision a reality.

Debbie Hughes and Jacqui Errico, founders of Strength for Life, are Certified Cancer Exercise Specialists with many years experience in the fitness industry. In addition to free exercise classes for people living with cancer, they are available for educational seminars. For more information or to donate, please visit our contact page at www.strengthforlifeny.org or e-mail us at info@strengthforlife.org.

Jacqui Errico, co-founder.
Jacqui has spent the last ten years in the health and fitness industry. She is certified as a Cancer Wellness Specialist by Medical Health and Fitness; certified as a Health Fitness Instructor/Personal Fitness Trainer from Hofstra University and the Academy of Applied Personal Training Education; and received an Associate in Science as Fitness Specialist from Suffolk County Community College. Jacqui has worked as personal trainer, held fitness classes for seniors, instructed students with developmental disabilities, and performed practical instruction for new hires. In addition, her past experience includes volunteer coordinator at a Long Island hospice. Presently, Jacqui ‘s focus is to raise awareness of the importance of exercise for cancer survivor-ship and promote regular physical activity as an essential therapy for those diagnosed with cancer.

Debbie Hughes, co-founder.
Debbie's interest in fitness and nutrition lead her to her first personal training job over 10 years ago. She became Nautilus Certified and continued her education by attending Suffolk Community College to earn her AS as Fitness Specialist. Through out the years Debbie has worked with a variety of clients with many different needs. She started her own company, The Fitness Club, in 2005 which provides personal training and nutritional counseling to young adults with developmental and physical limitations. Debbie is creator of Color Kids Healthy, a fun way to teach children how to make nutritional food choices while charting daily requirements. Debbie became a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist after her mentor lost her battle with breast cancer. It has become her personal mission to promote the amazing benefits of exercise for those diagnosed with cancer and to keep the memory of her friend alive.


Take the Cancer & Exercise QUIZ to obtain your CEC. Download the PDF version below and follow the instructions given-

QUIZ: Cancer & Exercise (PDF)