Race For Life: Exercise and Cancer

I've managed to persuade some of my work colleagues to join me in running the Race for Life again this year!

Me and Mark's mum, Pat completing the Norwich Race for Life last year!

It's great to get more people involved in running, and will be a lot of fun doing it in a group - we'll have to crack out the pink tutus and leg warmers! 🙂

Me, Katie, Elizabeth and Michelle - team members!

Rachael, Alice and Faye

The Race for Life is also an important event in raising money for Cancer Research UK, an amazing charity dedicated to saving livings through research, and helping people deal with the life changing illness that is cancer. The Race for Life brings people together and unites them in the spirit of running. Tackling that 5k challenge, whether for yourself, someone you know or just to join in the fight, is a defiant gesture that has been embraced by their advertising campaign this year.

Below is the link to our team Just-Giving page - we've already surpassed our target, and I'm massively grateful to all the people who have donated so far. We really appreciate your kindness and generosity, and if anyone feels they can sponsor my team that would be amazing.

And think about signing up the Race for Life in your area! It's a great day out with family and friends, and you're helping a brilliant cause.

Source- Race for Life

Click here for more information.

Today I also have a guest post by Melanie Bowen, a Master's student with a passion for highlighting the great benefits of alternative nutritional, emotion and physical treatments on those diagnosed with cancer of serious illness. To read more from Melanie, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance blog.

The Many Ways Exercise Fights Cancer

Cancer is a life-changing disease, therefore preventing and dealing with cancer often requires lifestyle changes. However, information about preventing cancer can be difficult to find, and many patients are unaware of steps they can take to improve their odds of a positive outcome. In addition, there are still some misconceptions about the disease. Here are a few facts about how exercise is helpful in the battle against cancer.

Common Misconception

When early study showed that exercise prevented cancer, many experts believed that the connection was because of obesity. Higher rates of obesity have been linked to a higher chance of developing mesothelioma, colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and other types of cancer where a connection has been sought. While obesity is relevant, later studies have shown that it is not the only reason why exercise helps cancer patients.

Exercise as a Prophylactic Against Cancer

Fortunately, rigorous exercise is not needed to lower your risk of developing cancer. Simply walking for 15 minutes three times per week is enough to lower your risk significantly, and exercise has numerous other benefits as well. Cardiovascular exercise is most effective, but recent studies have shown that weightlifting can be helpful as well. While everyone should use exercise as a means of staying healthy, those with a family history of cancer should ensure that they exercise on a regular basis.

Making it through Treatment

Cancer treatments are notoriously difficult, and those receiving chemotherapy will have to deal with difficult side effects. However, exercise can help give patients valuable endurance to help them endure the rigors of chemotherapy. In addition, focusing on diet before entering cancer treatments can help patients stave off suffering from low appetites, which are common. While it may become impossible to exercise while undergoing chemotherapy, patients will want to make an effort to stay as active as possible before and during treatment.

Shorten the Recovery Time

Cancer recovery is a long, difficult road, but exercise can help. By getting out and walking as soon as you feel able, you will be able to shorten your recovery time. In addition, a number of universities and other institutes now offer exercise programs for cancer survivors. Those whose cancer is in remission may wish to consider enrolling in one of these programs to help speed their recovery and exercise with others who have defeated cancer. Prepare your body in the fight against cancer.