Limitations to Exercise

Several factors need to be taken into account when prescribing exercise such as type of cancer, it's stage, grade and treatment strategy. For example, many breast cancers are diagnosed early with few limitations to exercise. Lung cancer, by contrast, is often diagnosed late with metastasis to the bones which limit the ability to exercise. It is also the prime organ for ventilation which compromises the ability to get oxygen to the exercising tissues. Accordingly, the goals of an exercise prescription should be largely guided by the limitations presented by the specific cancer. In such cases, the limitations to exercise of a certain cancer will be discussed prior to the goals and exercises.

Cancer Rehabilitation

Cancer rehabilitation refers to the prescriptive use of exercise to: 1. prevent the loss of physical function due to cancer or its treatment, 2. rehabilitate any loss of function that may have occurred due to cancer or its treatment 3. the maintenance of function due to cancer or its treatment, and 4. to minimize any loss of it due to cancer or its treatment. Underlying these goals is the ability for the patient to optimally perform daily tasks (ADL), as well as maintain quality of life (Q. of L). A safe exercise prescription should be assessment based, and as stated previously, physician approved. An assessment includes the type of cancer, stage of cancer, treatment strategy, where an individual is in recovery, as well as their goals. The prescription is therefore individualized to best meet the needs of the individual. An effective program will often also mediate psychological outcomes such such as a greater sense of control, reduced anxiety and depression.