Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Management

Incorporating Exercise into Your Cancer Management Plan

Exercise is one of the most beneficial things that cancer patients can incorporate into their cancer management plan

Physical activity is important in all stages of cancer. Many cancer patients are reluctant to exercise for fear of ‘making things worse” when in fact it is one of the most beneficial things that they can do. The scientific evidence to support this is growing and every effort should be made to incorporate exercise as part of the accepted cancer management plan.

How Exercise Benefits Cancer Patients

During cancer treatment 

• Reduces pain and fatigue
• Prevents decline of physical function
• Manages stress and improves mental outlook

After cancer treatment

• Increase energy levels
• Assists in the recovery of physical function
• Improves quality of life

During and after cancer treatment

• Reduces the risk of cancer reoccurrence
• Reduces the risk of developing other long term complications

Advanced cancer

• Helps maintain independence and well being

How a Physiotherapist Trained in Cancer Rehabilitation Can Help

People living with cancer should be advised to gradually build up their physical activity to meet the recommended guidelines. A physiotherapist trained in cancer rehabilitation can assist them in preparing an exercise program that meets the energy expenditure amounts recommended in the research, in addition to making sure that they are safely adapting to meet any medical restrictions or physical impairments.

It is important that we continue to encourage, support and assist cancer survivors to initiate and maintain a lifestyle that regularly includes physical activity at all stages of their journey with cancer.

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

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How Physiotherapists Get You Moving Throughout the Cancer Journey

Staying Active Helps Patients from Cancer Diagnosis through Post-Treatment

Exercise reduces risk of prostate-specific mortality

In our rehabilitation of cancer patients we have found that exercise helps them in every stage of the cancer journey - whether during cancer treatment, after cancer treatment, or both during and after cancer treatment. In advanced cancer stages as well, physical activity improves well-being as well as independence. One of the most important ways we can support people regarding the recommended amount and type of physical activity is through carefully tailored cancer exercise programs and rehabilitation treatment plans.

Evidence Indicates that Exercise Reduces Cancer Recurrence

The evidence from cohort studies of cancer survivors indicates reduced mortality risk related to leisure-time exercise. A recent Macmillan Cancer Support review reports that with three hours per week of moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking), prostate cancer survivors had a lower risk of prostate-specific mortality of approximately 30%, as well as a lower rate of disease progression of 57%.

How Exercise Helps Cancer Patients During and After Treatment

• During Cancer Treatment - Studies show that if they exercise during cancer treatment, cancer patients are less tired and experience improved physical activity
• After Cancer Treatment - Research also indicates that cancer survivors experience better recovery of physical function if they exercise after cancer treatment
• Both During and After Cancer Treatment - With regular physical activity both during and after treatment, the risk of cancer recurrence or the development of other long-term conditions can be reduced

At Cancer Rehab Canada we tailor our exercise programs to meet the specific needs of each individual patient, taking into account any special precautions they may have based on their diagnosis and medical history. Many modifications can be made that will safely allow individuals to meet their physical activity goals and, in doing so, improve their survival outcomes in addition to increasing their overall health.

Please contact one of our 48 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

British Columbia
Saskatchewan
Ontario
Nova Scotia

Challenges and Rewards of Exercising With Chemo Brain

The challenge of doing regular exercise can be overwhelming for a patient with chemo brain

Managing Cancer Rehab Takes A Team Approach

Sometimes the opportunity to work collaboratively from seemingly disparate rehab specialties comes when we least expect it. This is often the case when treating cancer survivors and cancer patients in Cancer Rehab clinics, where we all work together as Physiotherapists, Acupuncturists, Kinesiologists, and Occupational Therapists to help cancer survivors recover from the side effects of their cancer treatment.

Treating an Individual's Frozen Shoulder Also Uncovered Chemo Brain

Recently one of our clinics received a referral for a physio asssessment and physical treatment when the treatment needed was also for chemo brain - requiring both a kinesiologist and occupational therapist.

• The kinesiologist who works with cancer patients will encourage them to exercise to aid in their recovery, but exercise routines are not always easy for cancer patients. The role of the kinesiologist involves recognizing when a patient is having difficulty with proper technique or remembering exercises. These patients may need more one on one instruction, and it is important to provide them with a detailed home exercise program with pictures and instructions that are easy to understand. We know from experience that when a client is having difficulty with the exercise while in the clinic they are definitely going to have trouble at home. Lastly, the kinesiologist will follow up each visit - since repetition is key - and communicate with all team members on progress.

• The occupational therapist treating cancer patients for chemo brain will teach cancer patients how to focus on the positive aspects of what they are doing, recognizing the small gains they make each day. They help patients to organize their thoughts by writing them down and creating a structure or plan, breaking it down in order for it to be less overwhelming. They also ask patients to time their daily activities to allow for complete cognitive rest, away from all mental stimulus including computers and television.

More Awareness of Chemo Brain Needed

Many people, including doctors and insurance companies, fail to recognize the impact chemotherapy can have on the brain and the way we think. It interferes with patients' abilities to multitask and also impairs memory, so that one day they are shown an exercise and the next day cannot recall it. This is not only due to their fatigue and loss of mobility and strength, but due to the mental confusion that comes with chemo brain. The challenge of doing regular exercise and getting back into a normal routine can be overwhelming for a patient with chemo brain.

We have found that managing cancer rehab isn't always what we expect. A lot of education is still necessary, and helping patients get back to living their lives takes a team approach.

There is More to Rehab Than Meets the Eye

Utilizing specialized rehab techniques to assist in the recovery from cancer side effects is still a relatively new field. Cancer patients who utilize rehab services for their recovery benefit from qualified specialists in physiotherapy, kinesiology, occupational therapy and acupuncture to get back on their feet.

Help us to create awareness of cancer rehab by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and LinkedIn - help us spread the word!

To find a Cancer Rehab Canada near you, visit the list of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, or Nova Scotia locations.

Chemo Brain is Real

There appears to be a tie between chemotherapy and the cognitive processes of the brain

Mental Fogginess After Chemotherapy Can Provoke Feelings of Insecurity

Chemo Brain is real.

One of my strongest memories of returning to work after receiving 6 months of chemotherapy is the feeling of fogginess. I was happy to be back in the saddle, surrounded by supportive co-workers, but I had this sense of being dazed and distracted for the first several months. I would sit in front of my computer screen and simply stare, wondering why it was taking me so long to respond to an email. Approving the bimonthly payroll took me three times as long as I knew it had previously, but the numbers just never added up as easily as they used to. I would call someone and then forget what I was calling them about, or I'd forget the name of someone I know well during the conversation. It left me feeling insecure, inadequate and unsure as to whether I should be there or not.

Chemo Brain Symptoms Include Poor Memory, Difficulty Focusing and Problems with Multi-tasking

I had challenges with things such as:

• Multi-tasking
• Word/name recall
• Numerical calculations
• Difficulty focusing
• Poor memory

Chemo Brain Is As Real As the Problems It Causes

Many cancer survivors struggle with mental fogginess or "chemo brain" that occurs during and after their cancer treatment. Although the exact cause of it is still not known, there does appear to be a link to the effect that chemotherapy has on cognitive processes of the brain. These symptoms can range from being very vague to being a major impairment, and they can last only a short time or years. An MRI of the "chemo brain" will show actual changes to the grey matter. Chemo brain is as real as the problems it causes, so don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

5 Suggestions to Help You Cope With Chemo Brain

As a result of the challenges brought on by chemo brain, it is not surprising that many people are unable to cope like they used to - and begin to feel anxious and depressed. In my experience, the changes were subtle and not that noticeable to an outsider, but very evident and upsetting to me. A real blow to one's self-esteem. Here are some of my strategies to try and overcome these challenges.

5 simple suggestions to help you cope with chemo fog:

1. Get adequate rest and plan to do challenging mental activities when you are well-rested.
2. Be present in the moment, focus on the task at hand and learn to ignore the background noise and confusion. Many cancer survivors benefit from regular meditation. I found that having a quiet work space was essential.
3. Exercise regularly to keep your mind clear and feeling more alert. Get outside when you can, as I found the fresh air really helps bring clarity.
4. Create "to do lists" to keep track of tasks at hand. I became reliant on my phone, adding notes constantly to help get me organized and on task.
5. Slow down your mind and your body. This is a difficult one to do when you are feeling anxious already. I found that deep breathing is really great - three deep breaths will bring everything into clear focus.

Treatment is Available For Ongoing Cognitive Problems Experienced After Receiving Chemotherapy

If your problems persist, you may require a cognitive abilities evaluation and have a rehab professional, such as a neuropsychologist or occupational therapist, work with you to provide cognitive enhancement training. Recent research shows that there is a great deal that can be done to improve an individual' memory and other brain functions. At Cancer Rehab Canada, we believe in your ability to retrain your brain and and encourage you to seek treatment for ongoing cognitive problems. Please contact us to find the clinic nearest you.

To find a Cancer Rehab Canada near you, visit the list of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, or Nova Scotia locations.

Life as a Cancer Survivor Poses Physical and Emotional Challenges - Wall Street Journal

Cancer Survivorship Care Programs Integrate the Body, Mind and Soul of the Survivor

Cancer rehabilitation services in Canada are rarely received, although they are needed as much as in the US

Cancer physiotherapy, emotional aid and plans for treatment follow-up are becoming the norm at a number of hospitals and community cancer centers in the US where survivorship care programs have an integrated approach that takes care of the body, mind and soul of the survivor. Unfortunately in Canada, these rehabilitation services are still rarely received, although they are needed just the same. (see Oncology Rehabilitation Provision and Practice Patterns Across Canada, Canestro et al, Physio Canada, 2013)

As reported in The Next Front in Cancer Care at the Wall Street Journal, "Chemotherapy and radiation can damage vital organs such as the heart and liver, possibly causing secondary diseases years later. The body can be debilitated, cognitive functions impaired and emotions distressed, making return to normal life and work difficult. Some 70% of cancer survivors experience depression at some point. Patients have higher levels of anxiety years after the disease is cured." The focus of treatment is on curing the cancer, but often there is no care provided for the side effects that occur as a result of the cancer treatment.

Cancer Rehab Canada feels the same rehabilitation services should be offered to Canadians who are living with cancer, whether their impairments are physical or psychological in nature. We have a long way to go to provide the same array of services available to many Americans, but we are working hard to build the same level of rehab care for all Canadian cancer survivorships.

Read the full Wall Street Journal article.

To find a Cancer Rehab Canada near you, visit the list of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, or Nova Scotia locations.