Another report supports the wide range of benefits exercise offers to those diagnosed with cancer. In a small study of women undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer regular exercise reduced the occurance of anemia, a common side effect.
Radiation treatment can cause anemia by damaging or destroying red blood cells and also by affecting the production of new cells. Women with severe anemia can suffer more severe fatigue and depression and also lose the ability to exercise and even accomplish daily tasks. Severe anemia can cause result in oxygen deficits.
The study, published in Cancer, was small, with only 20 women enrolled. But the results were significant. The women who were active 30-45 minutes 3-5 times a week during their treatment did not suffer from anemia, while those women who did not complete exercise did.
The type of exercise was brisk walking, which is enough to raise the heart rate, but not overburden the women.
The study adds to the growing evidence that exercise benefits those with cancer. Previous studies have shown that exercise improves recovery after treatment and some studies have shown that exercise may be a primary preventative lifestyle choice.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on October 15, 2006 11:57 AM
