How Fitness Can Help Win The War On Cancer

By David Haas

Cancer and fitness. These two concepts may seem completely incongruent, but in fact are totally compatible. Maintaining good fitness is not only important in preventing cancer, but can be helpful during treatment and while recovering from the disease.

The last thing on the mind of anyone suffering or recovering from cancer is exercise and fitness. There is, however, increasing evidence pointing to how physical activity can help in the war on cancer. There are many symptoms of cancer, and different types of cancer treatment often have a number of serious side effects. Exercise can help the patient deal with both of these issues. Equally important to anyone who has suffered from cancer is preventing it from coming back. Several studies indicate that exercise can reduce the chance of cancer recurrence.

Research has shown that in cases where women have been diagnosed with breast cancer, reduced physical activity and the effects of the treatment can lead to an increase in weight. In such cases, exercise can reduce fatigue and improve the balance of energy of these patients. The study showed that women suffering from breast cancer who participated in moderate exercise actually improved their survival rate. In this case, moderate exercise consisted of walking at an average pace from three to five hours a week. The benefit was found to be even more beneficial in women receiving hormone treatment for malignant tumors.

Another study found that exercise practiced within the confines of the home benefited both the physical and the psychological well-being of women who had completed treatment for early stages (0-II) breast cancer, and who previously had a lifestyle that could be considered sedentary. It is suspected that increased physical activity can affect the level of the hormones insulin and leptin, and that this internal change can improve prognosis. A university study showed that a strength and fitness program greatly improved the physical and psychological status of cancer patients in general.

Still another body of research indicates higher rates of survival among those who entered into an exercise program after cancer diagnosis. Reducing cancer deaths also means taking measures to stop the disease from returning, and in that regard exercise can be considered a potentially life-saving endeavor. Those suffering from cancer often experience fatigue associated with such treatment as chemical and radiation therapy, and in this regard exercise can also be beneficial. Even patients undergoing mesothelioma treatment can find increased physical activity useful in the recovery process.

The activity of a patient will of course depend not only upon the type of cancer but the type of treatment. However, a moderate exercise program practiced at home can probably fit into the daily schedule of the average patient. It might start with short walks or mild body stretching practiced only minutes at a time. In the end, only the patient knows what is best for him or her. A comprehensive review of this issue, entitled “Physical Activity and Cancer,” is available from the National Cancer Institute website at www.cancer.gov

Quinoa Veggie Burger

Ingredients:

• • 1/2 cup quinoa -uncooked
  • 1 cup carrot – grated
  • 1 cup zucchini – grated
  • 4-6 mushrooms – diced
  • 1 small shallot – minced
  • 1 clove garlic – minced
  • 1 egg – beaten
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 sea salt
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1-3 chili peppers – diced (optional)

  • Cook quinoa according to package instructions.

    Transfer quinoa to a large bowl.

    Heat a large non-stick frying pan at medium heat.

    Add oil, then mushrooms, zucchini, carrot, shallot and garlic.

    Cook until soft (about 5 min) and add to quinoa.

    Stir in egg, cornstarch, salt and cayenne.

    Heat the same frying pan at medium heat.

    Press quinoa mixture firmly into a 1/2 cup measuring cup.

    Turn over and release into the pan.

    Press gently to shape into a patty about 4in across.

    Cook until patties are golden on the outside and warmed throughout (about 4 min per side).

    Repeat this step, cooking 2 patties at a time.

    Top with tahini or tzatziki sauce and tomatoes and serve on a hamburger bun of your choice.

First Step is proud to work with calgary’s elite basketball club – Geneisis. With 1 on 1 and group training, program design and nutritional guidance, our Strength and Conditioning Specialists provide everything these athletes need to reach their physical potential. The world of sports continues to grow more competitive everyday. Read more about our High Performance services and how we can help keep you on top of your competition. First Step offers reduced rates to all members of the Genesis Basketball Club.