This section describes the reasons why it is so important to exercise regularly both before and after a diagnosis of cancer. It explains the underlying mechanisms of how exercise helps and provides specific tips how to increase the level of exercise in the activities of daily living.

Benefits of exercise  Worldwide published evidence clearly demonstrates that regular exercise helps well-being and cancer in four main ways:-

In terms of prevention, its has been estimated that being sedentary and overweight could account for 14% of male and 20% of female cancer deaths in the UK.  For bowel cancer, for example, most environmental studies have demonstrated a reduction in the order of 40–50% for those at the highest levels of physical activity, with many demonstrating a dose-response relationship. The Harvard Centre for Cancer Control, for example, estimates that at least 15% of colon cancers could have been prevented by 30 minutes daily exercise. These data suggest that increasing physical activity is one of the major factors that is amenable to modification by individuals wishing to reduce their risks of cancer.

2. Exercise helps to fight established cancer

• Slows the rate of some cancer progresses
• Reduces the risk of cancer coming back and improves cure

• Reduces the risks of cancer
• Reduces the side effects cancer treatments
• Reduces the risk of secondary cancers later in life
• Speeds up recovery after therapies

• Improves the physical function - body strength, body constitution.

• Reduces weight

• Lowers unwanted fat levels- cholesterol

• Improves psychological wellbeing - lowers anxiety, depression

• Increase the degree of self-empowerment for both the patients and carers who can also join in with the activity. 

• Creates an overall sense of wellbeing.

• Improves mood.

• Improves social integration and self esteem. 

How to increase your exercise routine The local gym is not the only option they have as far as exercising is concerned. You can exercise at home, in the office or on the way to work. It is important that it is enjoyable and stimulating so you really want to exercise regularly and not just as a passing fad.  The following links provide tips on how to improve your daily exercise routine.

Links: Increase exercise in your daily routine | At home | At work |  Social life | Recreation & sport

Search for exercise facilities in your area.Although it is important to increase physical activity in our daily lives it is also useful to incorporate exercise into our hobbies and social life to ensure it is truly maintained in the long run. The following links will help you search for exercise classes and clubs in your area:

Search for exercise facilities: Dance classes | Dance groups | Exercise classes | Exercise groups | Swimming pools | Cycling  | Walking groups | Health clubs | Sports centres | Golf clubs | Yoga | Personal trainers | Other |

Underlying mechanisms of how exercise fights cancer During treatments exercise improves fatigue, reduces the risk of blood clots (DVT and pulmonary embolus), helps avoid constipation and later on bowel adhesions. It helps avoid weight gain especially during adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. It improves confidence, mood, reduces anxiety  and brain function. On top of this exercise has specific anti-cancer properties. The most likely mechanism for this are summarised in the following links:

Links: By improving obesity  |  Bowel transit time  | The prostaglandins  | The IGF axis | Blood fat levels

Further information