By Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/expert-blog/exercise-for-cancer-related%20fatigue/As a cancer survivor, you may be experiencing cancer-related fatigue. This is one of the most common symptoms reported by people living with cancer.
This type of fatigue is different from every day fatigue. It can be overwhelming, intense, unpredictable, persistent and severe.
One of the most effective ways to address it is exercise. Exercise benefits both the mind and the body, can improve your sense of well-being and increase your flexibility and strength.
It’s important to remember that you can incorporate light to moderate exercise at any stage during treatment and survivorship. Even as little as 10 minutes of exercise can be helpful. It’s important to begin slowly if you’ve not been active for a period of time.
Try 2 minutes at a time and gradually work up to 10 minutes. This is called graded exercise. Here are a few key points:
Exercise may help your mood and outlook in a number of ways, which may include:
Exercise has many psychological and emotional benefits too. It can help you:
How to begin:
Take precautions and adjust your activity if you experience any of these symptoms:
If you have cancer-related fatigue, you can have an exercise program designed for you by a health expert such as a physical therapist.