EXERCISE VERY IMPORTANT TO CANCER PATIENTS

Even though numerous studies have shown the powerful effect that exercise can have oncancer care and recovery, many patients are reluctant to exercise, and few discuss it with their oncologists, researchers say. 

In the study, which is part of a series of investigations looking at exercise habits among cancer patients, researchers found that patients who exercised regularly before their diagnosis were more likely to exercise than those who had not. 

Many patients considered daily activities, such as gardening, sufficient exercise. 

There was a real sense of 'What I do every day, that's my exercise'," said a  Dr. 

Most were not aware that inactivity can contribute to weakening of the body and greater vulnerability to problems, including symptoms of cancer.

In addition, researchers found that patients took exercise advice most seriously when it came directly from their oncologists, but none of those studied had discussed it with them. 

Generally, patients are not being given concrete advice about exercise to help them maintain functionality and to improve their outcomes. 

Exercise can improve patients' mobility, enable them to enjoy activities and keep them from becoming isolated in their homes. 

It can contribute to overall feelings of strength and physical safety, ease cancer-related fatigue and improve sleep.