Generally, cancer patients are urged to rest, but scientists at Macmillan Cancer Support beg to differ. Surprisingly, the team found that a majority of professionals did not enlighten cancer patients on the importance of physical exercise.
This state seemed to persist in spite of studies showing how activeness could help recovery and even inhibit recurrence or death risk. The results showed that nearly 37% of cancer patients did not seemingly engage in physical activities. This could be putting their health and recovery at risk, the analysts cited.
Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, expressed, “This new research shows that the message is still not being passed on to cancer patients about just how important it is for them to keep active. “We know that people going through gruelling cancer treatment tend to feel out of control and it can be a very frightening time. Knowing what you can do to help yourself and your recovery is both encouraging and helpful.”
Experts advise the affected adults to engage in nearly 150 minutes of moderate physical exercises each week. Following the recommendations for physical activity could mean fewer cancer side effects in terms of muscle wasting, depression, less movement, tiredness, and anxiety.
The team believed that it is very counter intuitive to recommend fitness and exercise to cancer patients, especially after severe treatment procedures. However, it is important that they understand the vitality of physical exertion for quick recovery, the analysts say.
Most people would think that maintaining physical fitness is easily said than done following cancer treatment. However, simple initiatives like walking whenever possible or climbing steps could contribute to wellness of cancer patients.