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Just this weekend, a French study showed that physical activity benefited pancreatic cancer patients. Clinical oncology, that is, the study of cancers, is increasingly focusing on so-called “supportive” care. However, it remains difficult to assess the benefits. Fortunately, the French APACaP study, funded by relatives of patients, now shows that maintaining physical activity has clear health benefits for patients with advanced cancer. Incredible true?
This study looked at more than 300 patients with advanced cancer. All of them were pancreatic tumors. Because we know that his prognosis does not leave much hope. This weekend, the results of the French APACaP study were announced during the world congress of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), in Chicago. The study concludes that adding physical activity to the standard treatment of this type of cancer is beneficial for patients.
Avoid a sedentary lifestyle
As part of the care pathway for patients with a long-term illness (ALD), physicians now prescribe physical activity tailored to pathology, physical abilities, and medical risk. This comes from the health system modernization law of January 26, 2016.
Indeed, people with cancer have less and less cardiorespiratory and muscular capacity. But if this leads to the abandonment of physical exercise, the patient’s situation worsens. Because the latter becomes less autonomous. He has worse quality of life. In addition, he loses self-esteem and feels much more tired, both physically and mentally.
It is not the first time that a study highlights the link between physical exercise and quality of life. The report “Benefits of physical activity during and after cancer”, published in 2017 by the National Cancer Institute, recommends integrating physical activity into the oncology care offer.
Cancer: multiple health benefits
Therefore, it is the doctors who are concerned with encouraging their patients not to abandon physical exercises. Therefore, patients must fight against sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, health professionals explain what are the positive results in the patient’s life.
The beneficial effects of physical activity are multiple. This prevents or corrects physical deconditioning. Physical exercise also helps maintain body composition. It also reduces fatigue due to cancers. And in general it improves the quality of life. There is also an improvement in tolerance to treatments and their effects in the medium and long term. It also prolongs life expectancy and reduces the risk of recurrence.
The earlier patients resort to physical activity in the care pathway, the more its effects will benefit the patient. Even a low level practice brings much more than a sedentary lifestyle. We know that physical exercise has many benefits. And not just to cure cancer. That is why it is necessary to practice physical activity at any age and in any physical condition.
Physical exercise recommended at any age
In 2013, a study showed that walking, in particular, increased the level of HDL cholesterol in the body. To do this you have to walk 1 hour a day, 5 days a week for 24 weeks. In 2015, another study confirmed this study. In fact, HDL cholesterol levels rise sharply after regular, high-intensity strength training three times a week for 10 weeks.
Regular exercise has other benefits. This allows you to maintain a correct weight. In addition, it also helps improve your mental health. Of course, this strengthens the muscles and bones. This has the ability to increase energy levels and reduce fatigue.
Obviously, you have to train regularly. And it’s not just walking. We can resort to other physical activities. Brisk walking has many health benefits. It’s already easier to do than run. Also, the energy consumed is the same. Moderate walking and vigorous running also reduce the risk of a number of heart problems by the same amount.