By Dr. Ranveer Nand, MD, Medical Oncology, Columbia St. Mary’s Van Dyke Cancer Center Ozaukee
Surgery. Radiation. Chemotherapy. Hormone therapy. Exercise therapy.
At Columbia St. Mary’s Van Dyke Cancer Center Ozaukee, we believe
exercise is an integral part of cancer treatment. Since March 2015,
we’ve been conducting a clinical trial to promote exercise during
chemotherapy.
The objective of this trial is to see if including exercise in our
patient’s treatment plan, educating them about exercise and offering an
on-site exercise program during their treatment increases their
compliance to exercise during and after treatment.
Research has shown what many experts have always suspected – exercise
after a cancer diagnosis can improve quality of life and curtail side
effects related to the disease and treatment. Exercise has also been
proven to reduce such side effects as fatigue, depression, osteoporosis
and heart disease for all cancer patients.
The National Cancer Institute reports strong evidence that breast cancer
patients who exercise, particularly those who are hormone receptor
positive, have less recurrence. MacMillan Cancer Support’s “Move More”
report looked at 60 studies and surveyed over 400 health professionals
and concluded doing the recommended amount of exercise per week, a
breast cancer patient’s risk of recurrence could potentially be reduced
by 40 percent. More recently there has been strong evidence that
exercise may also reduce the risk of a recurrence in colon cancer as
well.
The problem is, as we all know, when someone is diagnosed with cancer
they tend to slow down. Stress, depression, pain, feeling sick or
fatigued from cancer or treatment can contribute to inactivity. Many
remain sedentary even after treatment. Additionally, many patients are
not sure what is safe and most effective for them when it comes to
exercising during and after treatment. For some, surgery alters their
body image and chemotherapy regimens can cause significant weight gain
and destroy stamina.
Since the trial launched, 30 cancer patients have enrolled. Cancer types
have included breast, lung, testicular, bladder, colon, ovarian and
lymphoma. As part of their treatment plan they participate in the
Columbia St. Mary’s Wellness Program. This is a structured exercise and
educational program offered under the supervision of our Cardiovascular
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Staff. Preliminary results reveal on average
patients are exercising more and reporting less fatigue while on
chemotherapy.
That’s why more than just suggesting exercise to our patients, we’ve
included a “prescription for exercise” as part of the treatment plan.
With guidance and a structured environment overseen by medical
professionals, we hope our patients will see faster recovery, improved
quality of life – including their body image and energy level – and
potentially reduces their chance of recurrence.
If you’re interested in participating in the trial, please contact Peggy
Long, RN Navigator, at 262-243-8255.
Dr. Ranveer Nand is a medical oncologist at Columbia St. Mary’s Van Dyke
Cancer Center. For more information, please call 877-259-9358.
This article appeared in the Thursday, May 12, issue of The Ozaukee
News Graphic.