Ovarian Cancer: How Exercise Can Help You
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone, and can be particularly beneficial for women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Regular physical activity can help improve your quality of life, reduce the risk of recurrence, and even extend your survival time.
Here are some of the benefits of exercise for ovarian cancer patients:
1. Reduces the risk of recurrence
Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence of ovarian cancer by up to 50%. This is thought to be due to a number of factors, including:
* Improved immune function: Exercise can help to improve the function of your immune system, which can help your body fight off cancer cells.
* Reduced inflammation: Exercise can help to reduce inflammation, which is a risk factor for cancer.
* Healthy body weight: Exercise can help you to maintain a healthy body weight, which is associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancer.
2. Improves quality of life
Exercise can help to improve your quality of life by:
* Reducing fatigue
* Improving sleep
* Boosting mood
* Increasing energy levels
* Strengthening muscles and bones
* Improving balance and coordination
3. Extends survival time
Exercise has been shown to extend survival time for women with ovarian cancer by up to 20%. This is thought to be due to the combination of factors listed above, which all contribute to a healthier and more resilient body.
4. Other benefits
In addition to the benefits listed above, exercise can also help to:
* Reduce the risk of developing other chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
* Improve bone density
* Lower blood pressure
* Improve cholesterol levels
* Increase flexibility
How much exercise do you need?
The amount of exercise you need will vary depending on your individual fitness level and overall health. However, a good goal is to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Moderate-intensity exercise is defined as exercise that makes you sweat but still allows you to talk without becoming out of breath.
If you are new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the amount and intensity of your activity over time. It is also important to listen to your body and stop if you feel pain.
What types of exercise are best?
The best type of exercise for ovarian cancer patients is the one that you enjoy and that you will stick with. Some good options include:
* Walking
* Running
* Swimming
* Cycling
* Yoga
* Pilates
* Strength training
Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program
Before you start an exercise program, talk to your doctor to make sure that it is safe for you. Your doctor can also recommend exercises that are appropriate for your individual needs and fitness level.
Exercise is a powerful tool that can help you fight ovarian cancer and improve your overall health and well-being. Talk to your doctor today about how to get started.