Physical Fitness and its Role in Fighting Cancer

I love to have other people post on my blog.  It is so refreshing to hear how exercise has impacted the lives of many out there.  Melanie Bowen has written the article below about how exercise can help prevent cancer.  Melanie Bowen joined the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance in  2011 as an awareness advocate for natural health and cancer cure initiatives.  You will often find her highlighting the great benefits of alternative nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those diagnosed with cancer or other serious illnesses.  Melanie also assists in social media outreach in her efforts to spread awareness.  In her spare time, you can find Melanie trying new vegan recipes, on her yoga mat, or spending time with her family.  Please enjoy her article.

Physical Fitness and its Role in Fighting Cancer

By now, almost everyone knows how certain activities affect the risk of developing cancer. The link between lung cancer and smoking has been well established, and many people know that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma. However, many people do not know that your fitness level affects your chances of developing cancer and your odds of fighting it successfully. Here are a few facts about how physical fitness and cancer interact.

Cancer Prevention?

It has long been known that obesity is linked to a number of cancers. In addition to reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, doctors are now also telling patients that reducing their obesity will lower their cancer risk. Physical fitness combined with proper diet is the key to defeating obesity, and those who begin exercising will be less likely to develop cancer in the future.

However, studies have also shown that physical fitness has additional preventative effects. When researchers control for weight levels, they still see a correlation between being in great shape and being at a lower risk of cancer.

Endure Treatments Better?

One of the most difficult aspects of cancer is the fact that treatment can be so grueling. Chemotherapy is notoriously difficult, and those who endure chemotherapy know how draining it can be. Physical fitness can help people prepare for chemotherapy, and those who enter treatment in great shape will be better able to endure its rigors.

High levels of physical fitness can also help patients maintain a positive attitude through treatment. Studies have shown a correlation between physical fitness and mental health, and those who can enter treatment with a positive attitude will likely see better outcomes.

Recover From Treatment

Recovering from chemotherapy and other cancer treatments will be challenging, but research has shown that exercise can help. While it will take some time to get back to your former physical fitness levels, starting to walk as soon as possible can help place you on the road to recovery.

 Additionally, modern research has shown that those who remain in good shape after treatment has ended are less likely to develop cancer in the future. Physical fitness should be viewed as a means of reducing your likelihood of having to fight cancer again in the future. While exercise cannot completely prevent your cancer from returning, the correlation has been shown to be strong.

Feel free to check out more information from Melanie  http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/melanie/