For years researchers have proved that physical activity protects against many cancers such as colon, breast and pancreatic cancer.  However, researchers are now finding that physical activity after cancer is diagnosed also increases the change of cancer survival.

A research study, conducted by Homes et al, with a group of 2,987 women survivors of stage 1-3 breast cancer showed that the women who were more physically active had a significantly lower rate of cancer mortality and total mortality than inactive cancer survivors.

It’s a sad truth that cancer kills over ½ million people in the United States for the last several years.  Cancer is the second cause of death, exceeded only by heart diseases. (See article on protecting your heart).

Lung cancer is the most common fatal cancer in men (31%), followed by prostate (9%), and colon & rectum (9%).  Lung cancer is the most common cause for women.  In women, lung (26%), breast (15%), and colon & rectum (10%) are the leading sites of cancer death. 

Body mass index (BMI) refers to relative weight for height for both adult men and women and is used as a measuring tool for future disease risk.

A BMI of 30 or higher is linked to increased risks for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and arthritis. A high BMI, however, may not be a risk if it’s due to high muscle mass, which is common in bodybuilders.

A high BMI for women increases the risk for serious pre-cancerous polyps or cancer found during their colonoscopies.  Obese women are at especially high risk.

By now, everyone knows that exercise is great for healthy individuals, and most exercise programs are designed for them.  But will exercise help someone who has cancer?  In the past, cancer patients were told to rest and avoid physical activity.  This sounds reasonable, since one of the most commonly reported side effects of cancer and its treatment is fatigue.  It would make sense that if one is tired, he should rest. 

The problem, however, is that this leads to a never ending cycle.  Prolonged inactivity leads to muscle wasting and loss of strength.  When muscles are weaker, they fatigue more quickly, affecting everyday tasks, such as walking up stairs, or housekeeping.