A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event that brings many challenges, both physical and mental. While treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are crucial for fighting the disease, they can take a significant toll on the body. Fortunately, emerging research shows that targeted exercise, both before and after treatment, can make a powerful difference in recovery and long-term well-being.
This guide will explore how structured exercise programs, known as prehabilitation (prehab) and rehabilitation (rehab), can help you prepare for treatment and regain strength afterward. You will learn about the benefits of staying active, what these programs involve, and how to get started safely.
What is Prehab for Cancer Patients?
Prehabilitation, or prehab, is a proactive approach that begins between your cancer diagnosis and the start of your treatment. The goal is to improve your physical and psychological health to better withstand the stresses of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Think of it as training for a major physical event—the stronger you are going in, the better your outcomes are likely to be.
By establishing a baseline of functional ability, prehab helps you and your healthcare team identify and address any pre-existing issues. Research has shown that even a few weeks of a dedicated prehab program can lead to significant benefits.
The Benefits of Starting Prehab
Engaging in a prehab program before treatment can have a profound impact on your journey. Key benefits include:
- Reduced Post-Surgical Complications: Patients who are more physically fit before surgery often experience fewer complications and have shorter hospital stays.
- Improved Physiological Reserve: Building strength and endurance helps your body better tolerate the harsh side effects of treatments like chemotherapy.
- Enhanced Mental Fortitude: Exercise is a proven mood booster. Prehab can help reduce anxiety and depression, empowering you to face treatment with a more positive mindset.
- Maintained Functional Ability: Prehab helps preserve your strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, reducing the deconditioning that often accompanies cancer treatment.
Building Your Prehab Exercise Program
A prehab program should always be created in partnership with healthcare professionals, such as a physical therapist, kinesiologist, or a certified cancer exercise specialist. They will design a plan tailored to your specific cancer type, treatment plan, and current fitness level.
Examples of Tailored Programs
Your program will look different depending on your diagnosis and upcoming treatment.
- For Bone Cancer Surgery: If you are preparing for surgery on a bone, like the femur, your program might focus on resistance training to maintain bone density. It would also include exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles and tissues that will be affected by the procedure.
- For Abdominal Surgery: Your exercises would likely target core strength and stability to support a faster recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
- For Chemotherapy: If you are scheduled for chemotherapy, your program might emphasize cardiovascular exercise. This helps protect your heart from potential toxicity while full-body resistance training works to combat muscle loss and fatigue.
The key is personalization. Just as an athlete trains for a specific sport, your prehab program prepares your body for the specific challenges it is about to face.
What is Rehab for Cancer Survivors?
Rehabilitation begins after your cancer treatment is complete. Its purpose is to help you manage and overcome any lingering side effects, a process often referred to as exercise for cancer recovery. Even with a successful prehab program, treatments can leave behind issues like fatigue, decreased cardiovascular capacity, bone loss, and mood disorders.
Rehab for cancer survivors focuses on rebuilding your strength, stamina, and overall quality of life. Before starting, you will need clearance from your clinical team. They will assess any potential risks and provide your fitness professional with the necessary information to create a safe and effective plan.
Key Goals of Cancer Rehab
- Combat chronic fatigue and increase energy levels.
- Improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Regain muscle mass and bone density.
- Enhance mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Improve overall physical function and quality of life.
Types of Exercise for Cancer Recovery
Based on established guidelines for cancer survivors, exercise programs typically incorporate aerobic and resistance training. A combination of both often yields the best results.
Aerobic Exercise
Also known as cardio, aerobic exercise strengthens your heart and lungs. It is excellent for boosting endurance and fighting fatigue.
- Recommendation: Aim for at least three 30-minute sessions per week at a moderate intensity.
- Examples: Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or water aerobics.
Resistance Exercise
Resistance training, or strength training, helps rebuild muscle and bone that may have been lost during treatment.
- Recommendation: Aim for at least two 30-minute sessions per week, focusing on major muscle groups.
- Examples: Using resistance bands, light free weights, or your own body weight for exercises like squats and push-ups.
Across all program types, studies show consistent benefits, including decreased depression, reduced anxiety, less fatigue, and a higher perceived quality of life.
A Team Approach to Healing Mind and Body
Cancer recovery is not just a physical battle; it is a mental one, too. Exercise is a powerful tool for releasing endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. By getting your body moving, you can actively combat the psychological challenges of survivorship.
The most effective prehab and rehab programs involve a multidisciplinary team. This team may include:
- Your oncologist and other clinicians
- A physical or occupational therapist
- A certified cancer exercise specialist or kinesiologist
- A nutritionist
- A psychologist or mental health professional
Working together, this team can support your total wellness, addressing your physical strength, nutritional needs, and mental health. A healthier body and a stronger mindset are your best assets for coming out of treatment victorious.
Are you ready to take the next step in your cancer journey? We encourage you to speak with your doctor or oncology team about a referral to a qualified physical therapist or cancer exercise specialist. They can help you design a personalized prehab or rehab program that is safe, effective, and tailored to your unique needs.
