Yes, exercise is part of cancer treatment

Contrary to many years of belief that exercise is contraindicated for cancer patients undergoing treatment, doctors are now saying that physical inactivity is the one to avoid. This is one of the national guidelines recently presented by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

While it was believed that patients being treated for cancer should take it easy, evidence has now been gathered showing how physical activity is beneficial to cancer patients. Just as exercise is highly recommended for recuperating heart attack patients to strengthen the target organ, it has been found to trigger cancer cell death by a natural process called apoptosis.

Furthermore, exercise improves blood circulation which also improves immune cell circulation — delivering these fighting cells efficiently throughout the body to kill viruses and disease causing substances.

Regular physical activity also reduces sugar levels which, in turn slows down the growth and spread of cancer cells. In cases of colon cancer, exercise not only lowers the levels of prostaglandins and bile acids that encourage cancer cell growth but also speeds up the elimination of waste thus, minimizing contact time with the colon's lining.