Battling cancer can leave people feeling tired and weak, but new
research shows that in just a few minutes a day, many can start
getting their energy and strength back. About 1.6 million
Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. After
treatment, cancer survivors may have trouble getting back to
their normal lives due to fatigue. A new study finds that
physical activity can help bring back their quality of life.
Researchers combined the results of 34 earlier studies that
examined the effects of physical activity in patients with
breast, prostate, gynecologic, colorectal, gastric or lung
cancer. During the trials, some survivors were asked to do
aerobic exercise while others were not. Some patients’ schedules
also involved resistance and strength training. Among breast
cancer survivors, those who exercised had less fatigue, and
improvements in blood sugar control and body weight. They grew
stronger and their depression shrank and their quality of life
went up. Among people with cancer in general, exerc