Leveling the Playing Field: Arming Cancer Patients With The Tools To Improve Outcome
Introduction:
Navigating the complexities of cancer therapy extends beyond medical treatments, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches to improve the overall well-being of individuals undergoing cancer treatment. In addition to traditional medical interventions, lifestyle strategies such as monitoring glucose levels, engaging in weightlifting or resistance training, and incorporating meditation practices have shown promise in enhancing physical, mental, and emotional health during the challenges of cancer therapy.
Maintaining Ideal Body Weight
In a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal "Cancer Treatment Reviews" (Barret et al., 2016), researchers explored the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and outcomes in various cancer types. The study found that being overweight was associated with an increased risk of complications, treatment-related toxicities, and a negative impact on overall survival in several cancer types.
Maintaining an ideal body weight is vital for cancer patients, significantly influencing treatment outcomes and overall well-being. Optimal weight supports increased tolerance to demanding treatments, enhances immune function, and reduces the likelihood of complications, treatment delays, or dose adjustments. Cancer patients with a healthy weight often experience less fatigue, improved quality of life, and a more positive mindset, contributing to better engagement in daily activities. Nutrition plays a key role in achieving and sustaining an ideal weight, necessitating collaboration with healthcare professionals to develop personalized plans tailored to individual needs and treatment protocols.
Reference: Barret, M., de la Fouchardière, C., Gal, J., Rougier, Y., Texereau, P., Mariette, C., & Dray, X. (2016). Impact of obesity on esophageal cancer: a review. Cancer Treatment Reviews, 47, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2016.04.007.
Monitoring Glucose Levels
One crucial aspect of cancer therapy involves monitoring glucose levels, particularly for individuals undergoing treatments that may impact blood sugar levels. Corticosteroids, commonly used in cancer treatment, can induce hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels becomes paramount in managing and addressing these effects. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have proven valuable in providing real-time information on glucose trends, enabling individuals and healthcare providers to make timely adjustments in treatment plans [1]. Early detection of hyperglycemia allows for proactive interventions, contributing to a more comprehensive and personalized approach to diabetes management during cancer therapy.
VO2 Testing and Cardiovascular Health
Understanding and improving your VO2 max, or maximal oxygen consumption, can be beneficial for cancer patients by providing insights into cardiovascular fitness and overall physical conditioning. Monitoring and enhancing VO2 max can contribute to cardiovascular health, optimize exercise capacity, improve cancer treatment tolerance, reduce fatigue, enhance immune function, and serve as a tool for tracking progress during and after cancer treatment. Tailoring exercise programs based on individual fitness levels determined by VO2 max assessments may help patients better manage the physical and psychological challenges associated with cancer, ultimately improving their overall well-being and quality of life. However, any exercise program for cancer patients should be customized and conducted under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
VILPA Workouts for Enhancing Cancer Treatments
VILBA (Vigorous Intensity Low Impact with Balance and Agility) workouts are gaining recognition for their positive impact on cancer treatment outcomes. These specialized exercises focus on maintaining strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health without placing excessive strain on the body. VILBA workouts are designed to complement cancer treatments, potentially improving energy levels, reducing fatigue, and enhancing overall physical function.
Weight Lifting and Resistance Training
Engaging in weightlifting or resistance training is emerging as a beneficial adjunct to cancer therapy. Contrary to common misconceptions, moderate and tailored weightlifting can be safe and effective for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Research suggests that resistance training can help mitigate the side effects of cancer treatment, including fatigue and muscle loss [2]. Furthermore, weightlifting contributes to the preservation of muscle mass, addressing a common challenge faced by cancer patients. The American Cancer Society recommends incorporating strength training exercises at least two days per week, emphasizing the importance of individualized programs designed in collaboration with healthcare professionals [3]. Studies have shown that resistance training not only improves physical function but also positively impacts overall quality of life, underscoring the significance of a holistic and personalized approach to exercise during cancer therapy [4].
Stress and the Immune System
Chronic stress can exert a profound impact on the immune system, and for cancer patients, this relationship is particularly crucial. Stress-induced alterations in immune function may compromise the body's ability to defend against cancer cells and respond to treatments effectively. A review published in the journal "Psychological Bulletin" (Segerstrom & Miller, 2004) highlighted the intricate interplay between stress and the immune system, emphasizing how prolonged stress can lead to dysregulation in immune responses. For cancer patients, mitigating stress through various interventions, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and counseling, becomes imperative to support immune function and enhance the body's resilience during the challenging course of cancer treatment.
Reference: Segerstrom, S. C., & Miller, G. E. (2004). Psychological stress and the human immune system: a meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. Psychological Bulletin, 130(4), 601-630. doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.130.4.601
Meditation Practices
Meditation serves as a powerful tool in managing the mental and emotional challenges that accompany cancer therapy. Stress, anxiety, and depression are common psychological issues faced by cancer patients, and meditation has been recognized for its potential to alleviate these symptoms. Mindfulness meditation, in particular, involves focusing on the present moment without judgment, promoting a sense of calm and mental resilience. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology demonstrated that mindfulness-based stress reduction can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve overall well-being in cancer patients [5]. Integrating meditation practices into the cancer care plan provides individuals with tools to cope with the emotional toll of the disease and treatment, fostering a more holistic and patient-centered approach to cancer care.
Managing Systemic Inflammation
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. It is a type of acute-phase protein, which means its levels in the blood increase in response to inflammation. CRP levels can rise rapidly in the presence of various inflammatory conditions, such as infections, injury, or certain chronic diseases.
CRP is often measured through a blood test and is considered a marker of inflammation in the body. It is not specific to any particular disease but rather indicates that inflammation is present. More info here.
Conclusion
A holistic approach to cancer therapy that includes monitoring glucose levels, engaging in weightlifting or resistance training, and incorporating meditation practices can significantly contribute to the overall well-being of individuals undergoing cancer treatment. These lifestyle strategies not only address the physical challenges associated with cancer therapy but also attend to the mental and emotional aspects of the patient experience. Collaborative efforts between patients, healthcare providers, and support networks are essential in customizing these approaches to individual needs, ultimately fostering a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to cancer care.
Citations
1. Beck RW, Riddlesworth T, Ruedy K, et al. Continuous Glucose Monitoring Versus Usual Care in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Multiple Daily Insulin Injections: A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2017;167(6):365-374. doi:10.7326/M17-0223
2. Galvão DA, Newton RU, Taaffe DR, et al. Improved functional outcomes in older adults enrolling in a supervised exercise program shortly after coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomised controlled trial. Int J Cardiol. 2005;102(2):125-133. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2004.05.008
3. American Cancer Society. Strength Training Exercise Program. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/survivorship/exercise.html. Accessed January 24, 2024.
4. Adams SC, Segal RJ, McKenzie DC, et al. Impact of resistance and aerobic exercise on sarcopenia and dynapenia in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2016;158(3):497-507. doi:10.1007/s10549-016-3881-6
5. Johns SA, Brown LF, Beck-Coon K, et al. Randomized controlled pilot trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction compared to psychoeducational support for persistently fatigued breast and colorectal cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer. 2016;24(10):4085-4096. doi:10.1007/s00520-016-3169-y
Various studies contribute evidence to support the benefits of exercise, cardiovascular fitness, and VO2 max improvement for cancer patients. Here are a few relevant studies:
1. "Physical Activity and Cancer Survivorship" (2012):
- Authors: Jones LW, Courneya KS, Fairey AS, et al.
- Published in the European Journal of Cancer.
- Link: [Physical activity and cancer survivorship](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22398054)
- Summary: This review discusses the positive impact of physical activity on cancer survivorship, including improvements in fatigue, overall fitness, and quality of life.
2. "Exercise Training for Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review of Benefits and Safety across Cancer Types" (2017):
- Authors: Sweegers MG, Altenburg TM, Brug J, et al.
- Published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine.
- Link: [Exercise training for patients with cancer](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28190076)
- Summary: The study provides a systematic review of the benefits and safety of exercise training for cancer patients, emphasizing improvements in physical fitness, fatigue, and quality of life.
3. "The Influence of Physical Activity on the Risk of Developing Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies" (2016):
- Authors: Parent ME, Rousseau MC, El-Zein M, et al.
- Published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
- Link: [Influence of physical activity on bladder cancer risk](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27496254)
- Summary: This meta-analysis explores the relationship between physical activity and the risk of developing bladder cancer, highlighting the potential protective effects of exercise.
4. "Effects of Resistance Exercise on Fatigue and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Adjuvant Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial" (2019):
- Authors: van Waart H, Stuiver MM, van Harten WH, et al.
- Published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.
- Link: [Effects of resistance exercise on fatigue in breast cancer patients](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30395045)
- Summary: This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of resistance exercise on fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy.