PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, FIGURES AND MEASURING RISK

During and after treatment, the practice of most sports is possible, since the general condition and physical condition of the patient permit.

Moderate and regular practice of sport is always beneficial both physically and psychologically, except particular disability.

The appearance of cancer is a major upheaval in daily life and hampers the pursuit of sporting activities. Depending on the type of cancer being treated and its effects on general condition, also according to the type of sport practiced previously, sports will be more difficult or even impossible during the treatment period. The physician treating it belongs to advise his patient on the practice of adequate physical activity and beneficial.

Once processing is completed or during convalescence, some sequelae may prohibit or restrict the sport. Lymph node dissection in the armpit, following treatment of breast cancer,
accompanied by upper limb weakness and exposes the risk of lymphedema and big arms and some sports are then avoided like tennis or archery and it will guide the sport into more gentle, such as swimming or cycling, performed reasonably.

Walking and gentle exercises are often good advice. After surgical treatment, as part of colon cancer for example and a fortiori in cases of colostomy, the walls of the abdomen are weak and sports an intense mobilization of the abdominal muscles should be avoided. A number of tumors or treatment temporarily reduce lung function and lead for a few months from practicing sports altitude or scuba diving. But the practice of swimming remains very often.

A colostomy may be masked by wearing swimsuits large and there are swimwear with a prosthesis in cases of breast removal. Finally, in case of limb amputation, current technologies are developing more and more compensation means allowing everyone to practice the sport that suits him.

Generally, away from his cancer treatment, a patient suffers from few limitations in practicing a sport and the sport often helps stabilize again participating in his recovery. Some athletes who have won their fight against cancer and had then risen to the highest level of athletic competition reflect these possibilities.

Means and possible aid

A young, 6 to 20 years must participate in sport and daily moderate lasting 60 minutes. In a young person without training, it is directed to begin this training by 30 minutes daily. Similarly, we must practice more intensive exercises at least twice a week to improve his physical condition.

An adult 20 to 64 must engage in moderate exercise at least three to five times a week for at least 30 minutes each time, to maintain some flexibility and its capital muscle and bone. The total duration of activity can be obtained by accumulating short daily exercise periods of 10 minutes but at a sufficient rate (eg ten minutes a day to walk very fast). Once or twice weekly exercise sessions supported are more useful for maintaining and improving physical performance, including the cardiac and respiratory function.

Senior citizens 65 and older should include light physical activity to moderate in their daily lifestyle, take the stairs rather than elevators, shopping on foot, are, as far as possible, good habits. In addition, they must also perform exercises to maintain and improve their muscular strength, flexibility, balance and hand-eye coordination.

But only your doctor can tell you what sport practice, by type of cancer you have or the risk to which you are exposed.

Finally, the sport can provide a social and professional rehabilitation of high value whose long-term implications are undeniable.