Fitness After Cancer: Getting Back Into Shape After Chemo Or Radiation

Although cancer treatment — chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and hormone therapy — can be lifesaving, it can also take its toll on your body. Once treatment is over, you may feel like taking it easy or be eager to get back to an active lifestyle. Either way, incorporating exercise into your life after cancer treatment can have many benefits.

Cancer Treatment

It’s important to understand cancer treatment affects everyone differently. Your age, general health and the type of treatment you undergo play a part in the severity of side effects. But before you can develop a fitness program, it’s helpful to understand how treatment can affect your fitness.

Some types of treatment may also lower your immune system function, which means you may get sick easier. Treatment can leave you feeling fatigued and may deplete your body of certain nutrients, such as potassium and iron. Some people may become anemic, which can lead to shortness of breath and a lack of energy.

If you experience some of the side effects listed above, they can last for several weeks after treatment is over. In some instances, cancer treatment can also cause long-term side effects, which may last years after treatment is over. For example, neuropathy, which involves decreased feeling, can occur in the feet and hands and last for years.   

Before starting an exercise program, consider what short and long-term side effects you’re dealing with. Certain modifications may need to be made to make exercise both safe and effective. The good news is in most cases, there is some type of exercise that is doable.

Benefits Of Exercise After Cancer Treatment 

Exercise can be beneficial for almost everyone and it’s no different for people recovering from cancer. Regardless of whether you have a cancer diagnosis or not, regular exercise can improve your cardiovascular health and increase strength. But for people who have undergone cancer treatment, there are also additional benefits.

Consider some of the following benefits:

Increased Energy: Cancer treatment can cause fatigue. Exercise can increase your stamina and energy level. Of course, it’s essential to consider how you feel each day and realize your energy level may vary after cancer treatment.

Weight Maintenance: Cancer treatment can cause weight loss in some, but for others their weight increases. Medication side effects combined with decreased activity can result in weight gain. Exercise after cancer treatment can help you return to a healthy weight.

Less Pain: In some instances, cancer or its treatment can cause side effects, such as muscle or joint pain. Doing the right type of exercise can improve range of motion and decrease stiffness and pain.

Decreased Anxiety: It’s very common to feel anxiety when you are diagnosed with cancer. Even after you complete treatment, feeling anxious is normal. You might worry about a relapse or returning to work. Getting regular exercise can decrease stress and improve mood. 

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Improved Self-Image: From hair loss to scars, cancer can change your appearance. Emotionally, it can also cause changes. Some people feel helpless or less productive. Exercise in one way to increase your self-esteem. Exercise can help you feel stronger and look better, which often improves self-image.

Getting Back Into Shape After Cancer

Once you complete cancer treatment, you may be eager to get back to a normal routine. But whether you were an avid fitness buff or are new to fitness, there are certain factors to take into consideration before working out.

It’s important to be honest with yourself when assessing your fitness level. You also need to consider your limitations after cancer treatment. Keep in mind, your body just went through a lot, and it may take some time for you to feel back to normal.

Before you hit the gym, running trail or weight room, know your risks. For example, some types of chemotherapy can weaken your bones. Weak bones can make you prone to certain injuries. Other issues, which may affect your ability to exercise include balance problems and numbness in your feet and hands.

Another factor to consider is whether you are at risk for lymphedema.  Lymphedema involves fluid accumulation in a certain part of the body. The lymph nodes help remove waste from the body. When lymph nodes are removed either for a biopsy or because they are cancerous, the lymph system may not work as efficiently. Depending on the area of the body where the nodes were removed, lymphedema may be a concern.

Safety Tips And Precautions

There are certain precautions to take when you work out after having cancer treatment. Consider some of the following:

Get the OK from your doctor: Everyone handles cancer treatment differently and recovers at a different pace. Before jumping into fitness, make sure your doctors gives you the all clear. You want to avoid working out too soon or too vigorously, which could do more harm than good. 

Consider working with a personal trainer who specializes in post-cancer fitness: Having a personal trainer who is familiar working with patients’ post-cancer treatment can be helpful. A trainer can teach you proper form and help you avoid injury. Your trainer can also help you stay motivated. 

Attend a cancer fitness class: Some communities offer exercise classes specifically designed for people going through or recovering from cancer treatment. An exercise class for people recovering from cancer can be a great source of support while you’re getting back into shape. Check with your hospital, oncologist, cancer support groups and other local agencies for classes.

Start slow: Your fitness level post-cancer treatment may depend on whether you worked out before you were diagnosed and how active you were doing treatment. Keep in mind, it may take a while to get back to your previous fitness level. Don’t expect to be able to do everything right away.

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Listen to your body: It is essential to consider how you feel before each workout. Some days you may feel stronger than others. While it’s OK to push yourself a little, going overboard is not a good idea. When you first start exercising after treatment, you might find you can only workout for a brief time. The important thing is to do what you can when you can. Improvements will come, they just may take a little time.