photos (posed by models): getty, alamy✿
If you’ve just had a
diagnosis of cancer,
you may feel anxious
and worried. How will
you cope with treatment?
What will your recovery
be like? Research shows
that the fitter you are,
the faster you’ll recover
and the better the
outcomes for your
surgery and treatment.
Being able to withstand
treatment – especially if
you’re facing breast,
gynaecological or bowel
surgery – will help your
physical recovery and could
prevent complications.
However, many people
find that the mental benefits
associated with exercise are
the most important: a sense
of power when everything
seems to be out of control,
plus confidence going
into treatment.
Take action:
Although it may seem
counterintuitive when you’ve
just received a cancer
diagnosis, exercise can be
very beneficial – especially
for your mental wellbeing.Just do what you can – even
if you don’t really feel like
it. Getting out for a brisk
walk for 30-45 minutes can
be the best thing. If you’re
having abdominal surgery,
try some gentle Pilates-style
exercises to strengthen your
stomach and core muscles
before your operation.
What to watch:
Check with your doctor
about what’s right for you,
depending on your
diagnosis. If you have
severe pain, fever,
dizziness or any other
major symptoms
such as a bowel
obstruction, then
exercise may not
be appropriate for
you at this stage.✿
Most people say one
of the worst things
about cancer is the loss of
control. It feels like cancer
is taking over, which can
lead to loss of confidence and
feelings of powerlessness.
Being active can give you
this sense of control back
and boost your self-esteem.
One of the most common
symptoms people struggle
with is fatigue – this is
especially true for those
having chemotherapy or
radiotherapy. Gentle exercise
will energise you rather thanmake you feel more tired and
will boost your wellbeing.
Take action:
Some hospitals and leisure
centres offer specific cancer
rehabilitation classes, so ask
your oncologist or GP for
information or a referral.
These are usually gentle
classes supervised by a
qualified instructor and are
safe for everyone, whatever
stage of the cancer journey
you’re at. Exercising with other
cancer patients can provide a
lot of emotional support, too.
If you don’t have access to
such a class locally, try a DVD
at home, such as Move More,
free at be.macmillan.org.
uk/be/s-840-move-
more.aspx.
However, just
getting out for a
walk is one of
the simplest
ways to get some
exercise. Take
a friend withto help you recover
from cancer
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed,
are going through treatment or are in
recovery, you can really help yourself by
choosing the right exercise. Cancer fitness
specialist Sarah Russell explains what to do
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