Release Date: 2024-03-07

Exercise and Sports in Cancer Patients

Hasan Gercek (Author)

Release Date: 2024-03-07

Exercise are recognized as important components of the treatment process and quality of life for patients diagnosed with cancer. It has been scientifically proven that regular physical activity in oncologic patients positively affects both the course of the disease and the treatment process. This chapter examines the physiological, psychological, and social effects of exercise on [...]

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Work TypeBook Chapter
Published inOncological Rehabilitation a Handbook for Healthcare Professionals
First Page109
Last Page124
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.69860/nobel.9786053358893.5
ISBN978-605-335-889-3 (PDF)
LanguageENG
Page Count16
Copyright HolderNobel Tıp Kitabevleri
Licensehttps://nobelpub.com/publish-with-us/copyright-and-licensing
Exercise are recognized as important components of the treatment process and quality of life for patients diagnosed with cancer. It has been scientifically proven that regular physical activity in oncologic patients positively affects both the course of the disease and the treatment process. This chapter examines the physiological, psychological, and social effects of exercise on cancer patients. Exercise can reduce symptoms such as fatigue, pain, anxiety, and depression in patients undergoing cancer treatment. It also improves overall health by increasing cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility. Exercise can strengthen the immune system and reduce the severity of treatment-related side effects. For example, exercise plays a crucial role in alleviating side effects during chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is important that exercise programs are individualized and tailored to patients’ needs and physical capacity. Activities such as walking, swimming, light resistance exercises are appropriate and effective types of exercise for oncologic patients. These activities can help patients both maintain their physical health and improve their mental state.Moreover, exercise is also important in the post-treatment period. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and increase survival rates. Therefore, oncologic patients should be encouraged to engage in exercise at every stage of their lives. In conclusion, physical exercise are important tools for oncologic patients to maintain and improve their health during and after treatment. This chapter highlights the positive effects of exercise on cancer patients and provides appropriate exercise recommendations for these patients.The benefits of exercise for oncologic patients are extensive and varied. Psychologically, exercise helps cancer patients manage stress and maintain higher morale. Socially, group exercise programs provide opportunities for patients to engage in social interactions and reduce feelings of isolation. Thus, physical activity contributes not only to physiological well-being but also to psychological and social recovery. Overall, physical activity and exercise play a critical role in improving the quality of life and health outcomes for cancer patients during and after treatment. This chapter discusses how cancer patients can incorporate exercise into their lives and overcome potential barriers they might face in this process.

Hasan Gercek (Author)
KTO Karatay University
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7459-4452
3PT., PhD (c) Hasan GERCEK is a scientist with an 8-year academic career who has more than 20 research articles in the fields of physiotherapy, physical activity and exercise. He has conducted more than 10 scientific studies for the world’s leading publishers such as Springer, Wiley-Blackwell and Taylor and Francis Group. He has been working as a lecturer at KTO Karatay University for more than 8 years.

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