Research Highlights 7 Reasons Why Exercise is Beneficial for People with Lung Cancer
By: Kristelle May Villasin
Tags: Exercise At Home, Health, Lung Cancer, Healthcare, Exercise

Think exercising is bad for people with lung cancer? Think again.

Exercising with lung cancer might not sound advisable or even possible to anyone. But while the body definitely needs rest when battling lung cancer, it also requires healthy activities, like exercising.

A 2020 review published in The Oncologist maintained that exercise should be included in lung cancer treatment, which significantly improves survivability of the patient along with his/her quality of life.

How Exercise Affects Lung Cancer Outcomes

Fights Cancer — A study in the journal Cancer Research found that physical activity lessens a tumor’s chances to grow, slowing down cancer from its progression.

— A study in the journal Cancer Research found that physical activity lessens a tumor’s chances to grow, slowing down cancer from its progression. Aids in Cellular Recovery — “Exercise can change the way our body responds to inflammation, improve immune function and even change the way our cells repair the DNA,” says Dr. Jae Kim, chief of thoracic surgery at City of Hope, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Southern California.

“Exercise can change the way our body responds to inflammation, improve immune function and even change the way our cells repair the DNA,” says Dr. Jae Kim, chief of thoracic surgery at City of Hope, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Southern California. Improves quality of sleep — A 2016 study from the British Cancer Journal indicated that a 12-week walking routine in the comfort of one’s home significantly improves the quality of sleep among people with lung cancer.

— A 2016 study from the British Cancer Journal indicated that a 12-week walking routine in the comfort of one’s home significantly improves the quality of sleep among people with lung cancer. Reduces risk of complications in surgery — Like other major surgeries, lung cancer lobectomies and resections come with risks. One of the most common complications is pneumonia, blood clots, and infections — all of which depend on cardiopulmonary functions, says Dr. Kim.

— Like other major surgeries, lung cancer lobectomies and resections come with risks. One of the most common complications is pneumonia, blood clots, and infections — all of which depend on cardiopulmonary functions, says Dr. Kim. Improves emotional and mental health — “Physical activity helps patients with their emotional and psychological well-being, which is a critical aspect of long-term outcomes for cancer,” Dr. Jae Kim notes. He adds that battling anxiety and depression is common for people who also deal with lung cancer. These problems, if not addressed, can have a negative impact on one’s quality of life and make it difficult for someone to pick themselves up and make healthy choices for themselves.

— “Physical activity helps patients with their emotional and psychological well-being, which is a critical aspect of long-term outcomes for cancer,” Dr. Jae Kim notes. He adds that battling anxiety and depression is common for people who also deal with lung cancer. These problems, if not addressed, can have a negative impact on one’s quality of life and make it difficult for someone to pick themselves up and make healthy choices for themselves. Supports muscle — Dr. Kim maintains that muscle loss is common with cancer-directed treatments. “Maintaining physical activity is an important part of preserving muscle mass,” Kim says.

— Dr. Kim maintains that muscle loss is common with cancer-directed treatments. “Maintaining physical activity is an important part of preserving muscle mass,” Kim says. Reduces risk and danger of comorbidities — Dr. Kim notes that heart diseases are also common with people who have lung cancer along with other lung conditions which can impact their overall quality of life negatively. If you have preexisting health conditions, you might want to try exercising as it is a great way to manage most health problems.

Engaging in Physical Activities with Lung Cancer

Dr. Jae Kim emphasizes that it is necessary to talk with your medical team to find out the best alternative you can use positively for your body and recovery.

“Nearly all patients can engage in some kind of physical activity during all aspects of

their treatment, but type and amount will vary,” adds Kim.

For instance, medical teams highly recommend for people with lung cancer to participate in physical activities before the start of treatments. People who just came out of surgery, on the other hand, can do gentle exercises like diaphragmatic breathing guaranteed that they already have stable vitals. This means that other people who came from surgery might have some movement restrictions after their procedure, depending on their medical stability.

From all these, it is important to bear in mind that doing physical activities suitable for your overall health is very important. Understanding yourself and your capacities might help you decide on which activity to engage in. The thought of some medications influenced by outside factors that might not be beneficial for you might cross your mind one time, but remember to consult with your doctor or even make time to hear a second opinion if this thought is somehow bothering you for a long time now. Also, even in your best days, endurance and strength levels can fluctuate anytime in the midst of lung cancer treatments. Look at the physical activity as something to make you feel better, but it is necessary to still be careful. If you begin experiencing dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pains, palpitations, and difficulty in balancing, it is best to stop what you are doing and talk to your medical team or doctor instead for advice on how to proceed with your recovery.