WASHINGTON — New guidelines urge cancer survivors to exercise more, even, difficult as it may sound, those who have not yet finished their treatment.
There is growing evidence that physical activity improves quality of life and eases some cancer-related fatigue. More, it can help fend off a serious decline in physical function that can last long after therapy is finished.
Consider: In one year, women who needed chemotherapy for their breast cancer can see a swapping of muscle for fat that is equivalent to 10 years of normal aging, says Dr. Wendy Demark-Wahnefried of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
In other words, a 45-year-old may find herself with the fatter, weaker body type of a 55-year-old.
Scientists have long advised that being overweight and sedentary increases the risk for various cancers. Among the nearly 12 million U.S. cancer survivors, there are hints — although not yet proof — that people who are more active may lower risk of a recurrence. Like everyone who ages, the longer cancer survivors live, the higher their risk for heart disease that exercise definitely fights.
Read more via Health – Cancer – msnbc.com
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