Physical activity after cancer

3 minute read time.

In this blog, Aurélie, an Editor here at Macmillan, tells us how physical activity helped her recover after surgery.

Physical activity is good for us. We hear about of all the time and after cancer treatment your doctor may encourage you to keep active. This is because it has been demonstrated that physical activity can help you recover more rapidly after treatment. It may also reduce the chances of certain cancers coming back, as well as reduce the risk of developing other health problems.

Unlike what one may think, practising a moderate form of physical activity won’t make you feel more tired. On the contrary, it will help reduce tiredness and improve fatigue. It has many benefits such as keeping your joints flexible, strengthening your muscles and improving your posture. If you have lymphoedema, physical activity will stimulate the flow of lymph fluid and reduce swelling. If you are at risk of osteoporosis, walking or jogging, as well as weight bearing exercises will help protect bones. Physical activity is definitely good for us!

After surgery I developed swelling in both legs and the abdomen. I was also feeling pretty down and often felt I had no energy or desire to do things. My oncologist and my physiotherapist told me that the most efficient way for me to help control lymphoedema was to take up some form of physical activity again. They also explained that it would help me feel better emotionally.

“Obviously, they said, don’t overdo it”. They advised that I should not try to take intense fitness classes or assume I could or should do the same activities as before treatment. I could not take the risk of hurting myself. My doctor suggested I took up yoga to build strength slowly through gentle movements but also because yoga works on the mind and our emotional wellbeing. It is a holistic form of activity that helps you look after both your mind and body.

They also suggested that I swam and that I walk more. Swimming is a low impact form of exercise that limits the risks of injury. It is also very good for people with lymphoedema because the pressure of water against the skin acts like a form of drainage and helps move lymph fluid around.

I started yoga and swimming and I must say that I noticed the difference both physically and mentally very quickly. I personally began with a very gentle form of yoga but now, three years down the line I do more dynamic forms of yoga. It’s certainly helped me recover strength but has also helped me control lymphoedema through all the deep breathing exercises. But I think perhaps the most important thing is that it has helped me relax and process everything that has happened to me. Yoga has taught me mindfulness and acceptance, which have helped me enormously over the past months.

I also found that being able to look after myself and help myself to improve my heath and my body made me regain a sense of control over my life and my body. When I went through treatment, it sometimes felt that my body did not belong to me anymore. Physical activity allowed me reclaim my own body and take care of it after so much had happened.

To enjoy all the benefits of physical activity, you don’t need to take on intense forms of exercise. Walking, gardening, and doing things around the house will all help you build up your strength gradually. If you were very sporty before treatment, you’ll just need to take your time to get back to your fitness level and be careful not to do too much too soon and risk injuring yourself. But you’ll get there.

Always ask your doctor about what form of activity you can do. They’ll be able to advise you.

In the video below Joy explains how she followed exercises that were tailored to her cancer type and gradually became more active after breast cancer treatment to help with her recovery.


We have a lot of information about the benefits of physical activity. This includes our pack Get active, feel good (with a DVD), Gardening as a way to keep active and Physical activity and cancer treatment. You can order this free information on our website or call our support line on 0808 808 00 00.

 

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