AVOID INACTIVITY
In 2005, Dr. Kathryn Schmitz, author of Moving Through Cancer, collected and reviewed the published clinical trials on exercise in cancer patients; she found 22 clinical trials. Five years later, that same search resulted in nearly three times as many. The timing was right; she lead the publication that provided the first exercise and cancer recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in 2010. In 2018, Dr. Schmitz was named president of ACSM.
Founded in 1954, ACSM promotes and integrates scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life.
The first two words of the ACSM exercise guidelines for cancer survivors were AVOID INACTIVITY
From 2010 through today, the study and application of exercise in oncology has expanded and the power of physical activity during and after treatment is now a accepted part of a total treatment plan.
It has been determined that exercise, after being diagnosed with cancer, actually changes the trajectory of the cancer experience. In her book, Dr. Schmitz shares several studies that help to illustrate how exercise can reduce the likelihood of survivors dying of cancer and increase their chance of living longer.
In 2019, the New York Times published information shared in the ACSM's Roundtable on Exercise for Cancer Prevention and Control with the organizations simple, straightforward advice:
"Get up. Move. It's so simple and so essential. Get up and move."
"Avoid Inactivity" should become your daily mantra. Whether you feel well enough to do an exercise class, walk those recommended 30 minimum minutes a day, or accomplish the resistance exercises detailed here, moving more than you did yesterday is a must.
The remainder of the guidelines are:
1. Avoid Inactivity
2. Return to normal activities as soon as possible
3. Exercise as much as possible during and after treatment
4. The goal is 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous exercise
5. Strength (resistance) train two to three times a week, 8-10 exercises, 8-10 repetitions per set
6. Modify exercise as needed, and get supervision for safety
If your practioners haven't mentioned physical activity, ask. Get in the practice of seeing yourself as a physically active person who is on the path to health and wellness.
If you wish to find some programs and professionals in your area to help you, check out ACSM's Moving Through Cancer Exercise Program Directory
Despite these findings and significant evidence that exercise clearly benefits cancer patients, patients and doctors are sometimes hesitant to consider it part of the treatment plan. As in any exercise program, it’s important to acknowledge there are risks involved, but the reality is that in most cases the benefits of exercise far exceed any risks for those with a cancer diagnosis.
Exercise might be the best medicine of all for helping you return to your normal (or better!) physical and psychological functioning.
** Before considering exercise or any increase in physical activity, discuss your personal situations with your physicians. Your doctor will be able to provide medical clearance and any important restrictions. Previously sedentary, medically or mobility challenged individuals should consider at least a few sessions with an exercise professional or physical therapist to craft a safe program. **
Linda T Gottlieb, MA, CPT, CET is a nationally certified fitness coach and cancer exercise trainer who has helped hundreds of individuals embrace exercise to reclaim their fit and healthy self. The author of No Ifs Ands or Butts, Linda is one of the first certified cancer exercise trainers in the nation, contributing to many clinical trials with Yale University and is the trainer for the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT, along with her private practice. Linda@FitTraining.net https://www.fittraining.net/cancer-exercise
