WASHINGTON — Cancer survivors, better work up a sweat.
New guidelines are urging survivors to exercise more, even those who haven’t finished treatment.
There’s 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’s 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 nation’s nearly 12 million cancer survivors, there are hints — although not yet proof — that people who are more active may lower the risk of a recurrence.
And like everyone who ages, the longer cancer survivors live, the higher their risk for heart disease, which exercise definitely fights.
The American College of Sports Medicine convened a panel of cancer and exercise specialists to evaluate the evidence.
Guidelines issued this month advise cancer survivors to aim for the same amount of exercise as recommended for the average person: about 2 1/2 hours a week.
Patients still in treatment may not feel up to that much, the guidelines acknowledge, but should avoid inactivity on their good days.
“You don’t have to be Lance Armstrong,” stresses Dr. Julia Rowland of the National Cancer Institute, speaking from a survivorship meeting this month that highlighted exercise research. “Walk the dog, play a little golf.” People with cancer usually get less active as symptoms or treatments make them feel lousy. Plus, certain therapies can weaken muscles, bones, even the heart. Not that long ago, doctors advised taking it easy.
Not anymore: Be as active as you’re able, said Dr. Kathryn Schmitz of the University of Pennsylvania, lead author of the new guidelines.
“Absolutely,” she said. “It’s as simple as getting up off the couch and walking.”
