The Benefits Of Outdoor Activities For People With Cancer

Chemo And Outdoors Can Coexist- Here’s How

Exercise can be just as important as traditional cancer treatments for maintaining and regaining cancer patients’ health.

Receiving the cancer diagnosis used to be, in a way, considered a great excuse to skip out on workout, a sort of a pardon for indefinitely ceasing with any exercise routine that a cancer patient had up to that moment. No one dares to expect a cancer patient to hit the gym regularly when they’re sick from chemo. Up until recently, any exercise was undertaken while in treatment was considered a bonus. Also, no one was sure of how much exercise was safe during active cancer treatment.

Warm weather invites most people to spend more time outdoors. But, whether you are on a much-needed vacation or just enjoying the summer months, if you or someone you love is living with cancer, heat, sun, and outside activities can present certain challenges. With planning and proper precautions, however, you can still enjoy outdoor activities on warm, sunny days.

Sun Exposure While On Chemo

Certain forms of chemotherapy can make patients more sensitive to the sun. A classic example is 5-fluorouracil, says Dr. Shyamali Singhal, surgical oncologist and founder of H&B. But, even if patients are not receiving this form of chemotherapy, they still may become more sensitive to the sun. to reduce the risk, Dr. Singhal recommends using protection with high SPF, but also moisturizing with Emu Oil.

Planning For A safer And More Enjoyable Time Spent Outdoors

Things you can do to enjoy the outdoors in a better, smarter way: 

• Try to limit your sun exposure between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, which is when the sun's rays are strongest and hottest.

• Protect your head at all times. If you've lost your hair due to chemo, wear a hat or a scarf.

• If you have endured radiation, know the areas of your body where you were exposed. This area will be the most sensitive to sunburn, especially during the first year after the chemotherapy treatment.

• Keep any surgical scars covered while exposed to the sun. "Surgical scars may be especially sensitive to sun damage," says Dr. Singhal. If you can't keep them covered by clothes or a hat, please apply sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it in a generous amount, and do it often.

• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it often, especially after sweating or swimming. It is also a good idea to ask a doctor to recommend sunscreen for sensitive skin if your skin is irritated anywhere from radiation therapy.

• Dress for sun protection, and bring your portable shade, such as an umbrella or something similar.

The Advantages Of Retained Levels Of Physical Activity During Treatment

In the past, people being treated for a chronic illness (an illness a person may live with for a long time, like cancer or diabetes) were often told by their doctors to rest more and reduce their physical activity. This is good advice if movement causes pain, rapid heart rate, or shortness of breath. But newer studies have shown that exercise is not only safe and possible during cancer treatment, but that it can also improve how well you function physically and your overall quality of life.

Too much rest can lead to loss of body function, muscle weakness, and reduced range of motion. So today, many cancer care teams are urging their patients to be as physically active as possible during cancer treatment. Many people are learning about the advantages of being physically active after treatment, too.

Cancer Patients Are Encouraged To Exercise

More than 1 in 3 people will have a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime; 1 in 4 will then struggle with the consequences of treatment and 1 in 2 will have multiple co-morbidities. Physical activity can help prevent and manage these, improving clinical outcomes and quality of life. Cancer patients are encouraged to try and incorporate as many opportunities for outdoor recreation as they possibly can.