Ask the expert: The cancer-fighting effects of exercise

To learn more about the role of physical activity in a patient's journey with cancer, we spoke with Jessica Cheng, M.D., a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) and cancer rehabilitation medicine at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center - the most advanced comprehensive cancer in Orange County. Dr. Cheng is among the nation's few, and Orange County's only, fellowship-trained experts in cancer rehabilitation medicine.

"Dr. Cheng and the teams in rehab have guided me in moving forward through a long year of active therapy and surgeries," says grateful patient Sharyn Araki. "I was able to manage almost every side effect through the exercises and diet I was taught here at City of Hope Orange County."

How can exercise enhance cancer survivorship?

There is preliminary evidence that exercise can help enhance cancer survivorship in terms of reducing cancer treatment complications and improving cancer outcomes, functional recovery and quality of life. Exercise helps regulate hormone production, eases chronic inflammation and supports the immune system - all of which help your body fight cancer. In addition, cancer takes a mental toll, and exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety.

With all of that in mind, if you have or had or are facing cancer, please start exercising. And if you have any difficulties with that or concerns, please ask your oncologist for a referral to PM&R, physical therapy and/or occupational therapy.

Sometimes thinking about functional abilities can be hard for patients, and that's understandable and okay. At City of Hope Orange County, we work together as a village to help you not only get the cancer treatment, but also get through it as well as you can and survive from it as best as you can.

What challenges do cancer survivors have in exercising? How would you recommend someone incorporate physical activity safely into their routine?

Cancer treatment itself can be exhausting, so the idea of exercising during treatment might feel especially daunting. Additionally, pain or dysfunction from a variety of sources, such as muscle, bone, joint, nerve, brain and/or spinal cord issues can limit physical activity. However, given the benefits of exercise, we do recommend that all cancer survivors start moving as soon as they can after diagnosis. But remember, that doesn't mean you have to run a marathon. Even a small increase in physical activity can be beneficial.

If you don't exercise regularly, I recommend starting slowly and gradually increasing the amount and intensity. That might look like sometimes using the stairs instead of an elevator, parking at the far corner of the parking lot, or stretching during commercial breaks of a show.

Your providers are here to help you, and you should always consult with them before beginning a vigorous physical activity program. PM&R is a medical specialty focused on optimizing functional mobility, and we are always happy to help create an exercise plan at any level.

What types of exercises do you recommend for cancer survivors?

The best form of physical activity depends on your preferences and medical conditions. A combination of both aerobic and resistance training is recommended for adults and older adults with or without cancer.

The aerobic exercise recommendation is at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Moderate aerobic exercise for many people (but not all) would be brisk walking or an equivalent activity to the level where singing would not be easy.

Resistance or strength training is important to preserve or improve muscle mass, bone health, and to synergize with aerobic exercise for a variety of physical and mental health benefits.

Adequate amounts of physical activity can help reduce your risk of developing certain cancers and even improve outcomes. Get started today! Begin by committing to avoiding being sedentary and physically moving more. A small step forward today can go a long way.

Top five ranked cancer care in the nation, right here in Orange County. CityofHope.org/OC | 888-333-HOPE (4673)

Also read:
Talking Hope: Cancer rehabilitation medicine: Helping patients reclaim their lives
Talking Hope: Managing cancer pain through whole-patient approaches
Talking Hope: The benefits of acupuncture in cancer care