Breast cancer treatment can be challenging, as it often comes with various side effects that can impact a patient’s physical and emotional well-being. Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy for breast cancer can cause fatigue, pain, and emotional distress. However, incorporating regular exercise into a cancer care plan can help alleviate these side effects, improve overall quality of life, and potentially enhance the effectiveness of treatments like immunotherapy.
Understanding Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Unlike traditional treatments that directly target cancer cells, immunotherapy works by boosting the body’s natural defenses to identify and destroy cancerous cells more effectively. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
For breast cancer, immunotherapy is particularly useful in cases where the cancer is more aggressive, such as triple-negative breast cancer, which lacks the receptors targeted by hormone therapy. Although immunotherapy has shown promise in extending survival and improving outcomes, it can also cause side effects like fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes. Exercise can play a key role in managing these side effects and enhancing the overall effectiveness of breast cancer treatments.
How Exercise Helps Manage Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment
Regular physical activity is known to offer numerous benefits for cancer patients, helping to manage the side effects associated with treatments like immunotherapy. Here’s how exercise can make a difference:
1. Reduces Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common side effects experienced by breast cancer patients, especially during immunotherapy and chemotherapy. While it may seem counterintuitive, exercise can actually help reduce cancer-related fatigue by boosting energy levels and improving sleep quality. Low-impact activities like walking, cycling, or yoga can increase stamina and decrease feelings of tiredness, helping patients feel more energized.
2. Improves Mood and Mental Health
The emotional toll of breast cancer treatment can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. Exercise is a natural mood booster, as it stimulates the release of endorphins—hormones that enhance feelings of well-being. Engaging in regular physical activity can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, providing emotional support during the challenging treatment process.
3. Enhances Immune Function
Since immunotherapy aims to strengthen the immune system’s ability to fight cancer, engaging in regular exercise can be beneficial. Physical activity has been shown to support immune function by improving circulation, promoting the movement of immune cells throughout the body, and reducing inflammation. This can help the immune system respond more effectively to cancer cells and may even enhance the impact of immunotherapy for breast cancer.
4. Manages Weight and Body Composition
Many breast cancer patients experience changes in weight and body composition due to treatment. Some gain weight as a result of hormonal changes or reduced physical activity, while others may lose weight due to appetite loss. Regular exercise can help manage weight by burning calories and building lean muscle mass, which is important for maintaining strength and endurance during treatment.
5. Reduces Pain and Improves Mobility
Joint pain and muscle stiffness are common side effects of breast cancer treatment, including immunotherapy. Regular exercise, particularly stretching and low-impact aerobic activities, can help reduce pain and improve range of motion. Resistance training and strength exercises may also help prevent muscle loss, which can occur due to inactivity.
6. Supports Heart Health
Some breast cancer treatments can have adverse effects on cardiovascular health. Exercise can help mitigate these effects by strengthening the heart, improving blood pressure, and increasing overall cardiovascular fitness. Incorporating activities like walking, swimming, or light jogging can help maintain a healthy heart and reduce the risk of heart-related side effects.
Exercise Recommendations for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Immunotherapy
While exercise offers numerous benefits, it is important for breast cancer patients to approach physical activity with caution and follow a plan tailored to their specific needs and limitations. Here are some exercise recommendations for those undergoing immunotherapy for breast cancer:
Start Slow and Gradually Increase Intensity: For those new to exercise or experiencing significant fatigue, it’s best to start with low-intensity activities like walking or gentle stretching and gradually increase the duration and intensity as energy levels improve.
Incorporate a Variety of Exercises: A balanced exercise program should include aerobic activities, strength training, and flexibility exercises. This approach can help improve overall fitness, build muscle, and reduce stiffness.
Listen to Your Body: It’s important to be mindful of how the body responds to exercise. If experiencing excessive fatigue, pain, or other symptoms, take a break or modify the activity level accordingly.
Work with a Cancer Exercise Specialist: Consulting with a healthcare professional or a certified cancer exercise specialist can help in creating a personalized exercise plan that aligns with the patient’s treatment and recovery goals.
Integrating Exercise with Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer
Combining exercise with immunotherapy can create a comprehensive approach to breast cancer care. Regular physical activity can potentially improve the body’s response to immunotherapy by supporting immune function and reducing inflammation. Furthermore, exercise can help patients better tolerate the side effects of immunotherapy, making the treatment experience more manageable.
The Role of Cancer Holistic Treatment Centers in Exercise Support
Cancer holistic treatment centers often provide integrative programs that include exercise therapy, nutritional counseling, and mind-body practices to complement conventional cancer treatments like immunotherapy. These centers emphasize a whole-person approach to healing, focusing on physical, emotional, and spiritual health. By offering exercise programs designed for cancer patients, these holistic centers can help individuals maintain physical activity levels that are safe and effective for managing treatment side effects.
Conclusion
Managing the side effects of breast cancer treatment can be challenging, but incorporating exercise into a cancer care plan can provide significant benefits. Exercise helps alleviate fatigue, improve mood, enhance immune function, manage weight, reduce pain, and support cardiovascular health. For those undergoing immunotherapy for breast cancer, regular physical activity may even enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Cancer holistic treatment centers play an essential role in supporting exercise and other complementary therapies, offering patients a comprehensive approach to managing side effects and improving quality of life during breast cancer treatment. Embracing exercise as part of a holistic cancer care plan can empower patients to take an active role in their health and recovery journey.
