New Guidelines Suggest that Mesothelioma Patients Would Benefit From Exercise

Many people think of exercise as nothing but a weight loss tool, and as a result, patients diagnosed with mesothelioma and other types of cancer discount pursuing physical activity, especially in the face of a shortened life span and reduced energy.

According to a study in the “Medical Journal of Australia and the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia,” exercise is something that all cancer patients should be pursuing if cleared by their physician.

After careful analysis of cancer patients suffering from different types of cancer, including mesothelioma, researchers determined that exercise provides tremendous benefits, including countering the negative effects of both the cancer itself and the toxic effects that often accompany its treatment.

The study also concluded that in most cases, exercise is safe, particularly when done under the direction of the patient’s physician.

The specific amount of exercise depends upon the individual patient and their needs, so mesothelioma patients are advised to discuss exercise with their oncologist and other treating physicians, but generally speaking the new guidelines suggest 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week, as well as two to three resistance exercise sessions.

Lest anyone think that these guidelines are restricted to Australia, Dr. Catherine Alfano, vice president of survivorship at the American Cancer Society, confirmed the findings.

“Both Australia and the United Kingdom now prescribe exercise as a part of standard cancer care because the data are very strong that exercise can help manage the toxicities and adverse effects of cancer therapy, be that fatigue or depression or many other problems. We are working toward a statement like this in the U.S., but we haven’t created a message this strong yet.”

Mesothelioma patients should keep in mind the recommendations made by the American Cancer Society, which suggests that exercise can reduce nausea, minimize anxiety and depression, and increase social contacts. It can also reduce the fatigue that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you need more information on improving your quality of life, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608. We are here to help.

Written by Terri Oppenheimer

Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is the head writer of our Mesothelioma.net news blog. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English. Terri believes that knowledge is power and she is committed to sharing news about the impact of mesothelioma, the latest research and medical breakthroughs, and victims’ stories.

Learn more about and contact Terri