Exercise for Mesothelioma Cancer Patients

Importance of Exercise for Cancer Patients

Total bedrest represents an outdated approach to cancer treatment. Oncologists now recommend regular exercise because inactivity contributes to fatigue, poor appetite, muscular weakness and decreased quality of life.

People with mesothelioma cope with breathing difficulties, chest pain and reduced energy levels, all of which can affect their ability to exercise.

Mesothelioma patients must avoid inactivity. Gentle activity adds up if you do it regularly. The body responds to repetition and develops endurance to handle more activity. Over time, you will feel more capable of exercise and will experience how regular activity improves your body, mind and quality of life.

Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients

According to multiple studies, including a 2017 study published in the journal Oncology, exercise offers a number of benefits to cancer patients.

In 2017, a review of 100 studies on exercise and cancer was published in Oxford Academic. According to the review, cancer patients who exercise have a lower risk of cancer mortality and recurrence, and they experience fewer and less severe adverse effects.

Safe Exercises for Mesothelioma Patients

People with mesothelioma often cope with breathlessness and fatigue that limit activity and promote self-doubt in physical abilities. However, inactivity increases these symptoms and exercise improves them.

The effects of inactivity are worse than risking injury from exercise. Plan to safely exercise by going slow and gentle.

Look at all forms of activity as exercise, including household chores and everyday tasks. Doing dishes, folding laundry, light gardening and walking around the block are gentle and productive ways to avoid inactivity. Finding ways to exercise around your home will help you integrate movement into your daily life.

Low-impact exercise is generally considered safe for most mesothelioma patients and it may improve their energy levels and quality of life.

Research shows that low-impact, moderate activity boosts immune function, while high-intensity activity suppresses the immune system. A 2013 study published in European Review of Aging and Physical Activity reported walking improved muscular strength, physical endurance and quality of life among cancer patients.

Any exercise is better than none. The American College of Sports Medicine offers exercise guidelines for cancer patients and recommends 30 minutes of activity five days a week. If 30 minutes seems like too much at once, build your endurance by exercising for 10 minutes three times throughout the day.

Types of Exercises to Avoid

These intense forms of exercise suppress the immune system, deplete energy and increase breathlessness.

Pleural mesothelioma patients should avoid intense cardiovascular exercise because it requires optimal lung function to perform safely. Instead, choose light to moderate cardio exercises such as walking, biking and slow swimming.

Pleural patients should also take it easy when strength training upper body muscles such as the chest, shoulders and arms. These muscles are easily aggravated because tissue around the chest is weakened by the presence of tumors.

When climbing stairs, people with pleural mesothelioma can control their breathing to make ascension easier. Inhale as you lift a foot, and exhale as the foot touches the next step. The exhale gives your body an extra boost to mount the step.

People with peritoneal mesothelioma should avoid heavy weightlifting because of weakened core muscles in the abdomen and pelvis. Tumors in these areas impair muscle function and limit flexibility. Take precaution when twisting and bending during exercise. Go slow and be patient as you find exercises that suit your body’s needs and boundaries.

Exercise Precautions During Treatment and Recovery

Make exercise safe by adapting activity during treatment and recovery to your overall fitness level and your body’s current physical limitations.

For example, people undergoing chemotherapy feel fatigued for one to three days after infusion. Planning easy, gentle activity on those days will help you remain active without overdoing it. As fatigue lessens, you naturally return to normal activity and exercise.

Avoid swimming pools if undergoing radiation therapy because chlorine and bacteria irritates radiated skin.

Getting a cardiac health check prior to starting a fitness routine is important for seniors and people with a history of heart disease. Seek a fitness assessment from a doctor or personal trainer if you’re concerned about your physical abilities or injury.

Ask your cancer center if an exercise program is available. Many cancer centers throughout the country offer fitness assessments and exercise training from professionals who can develop a customized exercise plan for no extra charge.

Creating an Exercise Plan and Getting Others Involved

Creating a routine that’s easy to follow helps make exercise a habit.

A complete exercise plan integrates cardiovascular training, muscle strength training, balance exercises and flexibility training.

Physical trainers often recommend alternating different types of training throughout the week, doing cardio one day, followed by muscle and flexibility training on other days. Alternating gives the body time to recover from each type of training.

Aim for cardiovascular exercise about two days a week, strength training two days a week and flexibility training at least once a week. Balancing exercises can be integrated into any category of exercise. Integrating balance exercises is especially beneficial for seniors to prevent falls.

Strength training should involve all major muscle groups. Start with light weights and consider using water bottles as dumbbells. Calisthenics are exercises that use your own bodyweight to strength train.

Examples include:

Flexibility training involves stretching all major muscle groups. Try a gentle or restorative yoga class as a relaxing way to improve flexibility and release stress.

Involve Family and Friends

Getting others involved helps people commit and follow through with a fitness plan. People tend to perform better and enjoy exercise more with someone by their side to share the experience and benefits.

You not only strengthen your body and mind but also your interpersonal relationships.

Positive peer pressure is a powerful motivator. You are far less likely to quit exercising when someone else is counting on you. When you make a commitment with someone, you’re less likely to give up, and they can hold you accountable with positive reinforcement.

Reach out to family and friends to find out who is able to support you in your exercise goals. Ask them to join you for walks, exercise classes or workout sessions. It’s also a good idea to ask someone to check in with you once a week to see how your exercise plan is going.

Working with a Physical Trainer

Another option to stay committed involves working with a physical trainer. Set exercise appointments with a fitness professional to ensure you’ll follow through and reduce concerns about exercising safely.

Some trainers are educated and certified to train people with cancer. The American College of Sports Medicine partnered with the American Cancer Society to teach trainers how to safely coach cancer patients. Certified Cancer Exercise Trainers (CETs) are specially trained to administer fitness assessments and develop exercise plans tailored to a cancer patient’s diagnosis, treatment plan and overall health.

Another safe option for people with cancer is Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT), a form of exercise training designed to balance and strengthen the muscular system. MAT is suitable for rehabilitation after injury, surgery and prolonged inactivity.

Eat Well to Exercise Better

Our bodies need food as fuel to function. Just like a car runs better on high-quality fuel, the quality of your food makes a difference on how well your body operates.

Most of us know what foods are unhealthy. We know heavily processed, prepackaged foods high in sugar and low in nutrients are poor dietary choices. We know deep-fried foods are harder to digest and leave us feeling tired.

What roles do nutrition and physical activity play in mesothelioma treatment? Dr. Jeffrey Velotta | 2:33

Healthy foods boost energy and unhealthy foods drag you down. The choices you make will either prepare you for exercise or make you feel like you don’t want to exercise.

In general, whole foods are energizing, while processed foods are depleting.

Whole foods include meat, fish, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Processed foods include prepackaged meals, refined grains and sugar, cereals, canned produce and microwavable meals.

What you eat makes a big impact on how you feel. Take the time and effort to choose healthy, energizing whole foods over processed, sugary foods, and you’ll feel lighter and more energized.

Starting to exercise regularly is a challenging habit to create. Set yourself up for success by getting others involved in your exercise, choosing healthy foods to eat and trying to get at least seven hours of sleep a night. With enough personal motivation and support from others, you can successfully commit to and follow through with an exercise plan and healthy lifestyle.