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The following has been copied from:
http://www.sciencewa.net.au/science_archive.asp?pg=30&NID=420
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Put cancer on the run
by Catherine Madden
Thursday, 27 October 2005
EXERCISE – rather than rest and relaxation – could be the key to beating cancer.
Cancer expert Professor Don Iverson told the State Cancer Conference in Perth
that regular moderate exercise, rather than conventional bed-rest, gave cancer
patients a fighting chance of beating fatigue, anaemia and depression – all of
which could interfere with the effectiveness of their treatment.
Up to 90 per cent of cancer patients having chemotherapy or radiotherapy suffer
fatigue and about 30 per cent become anaemic.
They are often told to rest but Prof Iverson, dean of health and director of the
Health and Productivity Research Centre at Wollongong University, says an
international review of evidence has revealed that they should be doing just the
opposite.
“Most cancer patients experiencing fatigue are advised to rest, when in actual
fact, although it sounds counter-intuitive, being more active may be much more
effective in beating fatigue,” he says.
“We reviewed dozens of academic papers, books and websites for information
on cancer and exercise and found there was more than enough evidence to
show that there are real benefits for cancer patients to undertake exercise
programs.”
International studies show regular exercise also reduces the risk of bowel,
breast, prostate and endometrial cancers as well as boosting energy levels
and self-esteem.
“Now we know that the benefits are there, we can confidently make recommendations
to people with cancer about exercise,” Prof Iverson says.
He called for more research into how exercise affects other cancers.
Cancer Council WA, which hosted the conference, plans to launch a manual
for patients about the level and type of physical activity that could be of most
benefit to them.
“Conventional wisdom is that if you are being treated for cancer then you
should rest or stay in bed. This research shows that the opposite is true,”
says Steve Pratt, of Cancer Council WA.
“We know that physical activity improves well-being and there is also some
evidence to show that it also may have an impact on cancer survival.
“Physical activity is emerging as a key to cancer prevention and now it’s clearly
been shown that being physically active can help improve the lives of cancer
patients.”
Prof Iverson’s research estimates exercise could save the health system more
than $400,000 per 1000 cancer sufferers if substituted for present anaemia
treatments.
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However, although cancer recovery can be assisted by lifestyle choices,
it appeares that cancer is caused primarily by environmental exposures.
See this detailed report from Rachel's list:
http://www.rachel.org/bulletin/index.cfm?St=1
Keith
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