Keeping it Real with Dr. Suzanne Miller

Dr. Miller is Director of Psychosocial and Behavioral Medicine at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Q: During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, some women may be wondering how exercise can fit into their cancer-recovery program. In general, can women undergoing chemotherapy or radiation engage in aerobic activity such as running, biking or exercise classes?

A: For radiation therapy, light exercise such as walking can help women feel better and help to combat fatigue. Other women may need to rest more than usual. It will depend on what side effects they have. For example, during radiation therapy, people often feel tired and out of energy. As with radiation therapy, fatigue and lack of energy are the most common symptoms when undergoing chemotherapy. Doing light exercise or taking short walks can help people feel less tired, as can activities like yoga, meditation, guided imagery, etc. Light exercise can also help reduce pain and strengthen muscles. You can start by walking 5 to 10 minutes a day and then slowly increasing your activity. Be sure to check with your doctor first.

Q: What about when the radiation or chemotherapy treatments are done? How long should a physically active person wait to resume exercise?

A: When you meet with your doctor about follow-up care, you should be sure to ask about activities that you can do to take charge of your health, including exercise and eating well. Usually, women can begin to get more physically active right after treatment.

Q: What benefits could a new exercise routine potentially have for a recovering patient?

A: Moderate exercise after treatment can have a variety of positive effects, including reducing anxiety and depression, improving self-esteem, and lowering symptoms like fatigue, as well as pain, diarrhea, and nausea. There is not much research about whether exercise affects actual survival.

Q: What exercise are most beneficial?

A: Moderate exercise, like walking, biking, swimming for about 30 minutes a day several times a week has a number of positive effects. It is usually best to start an exercise program slowly and gradually increase activity over time.

Q: What exercises should not be done by someone recovering from radiation or chemotherapy?

A: Patients who need to stay in bed can start with small activities, like moving their arms or legs around. This should be discussed with the doctor.

Q: What about strength-training?

A: Patients can build up their exercise plan to include aerobics and working on machines, such as stationary bikes, stair-climbers, treadmills, rowing, and skiing machines that build strength in all body muscles.

Q: How does a patient know when she is doing too much?

A: If a patient feels sore or tired, she should stop and rest.

Q: Are there any cancer-treating medications that limit physical activity?

A: Patients should check about specific medications with their doctors.