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Workouts Help
Ward Off Cancer's Return
By Dennis Thompson
Just 1 to
3 hours of exercise per week may be protective, experts say
THURSDAY, Nov.
30
(HealthDay News) -- For cancer survivors, exercising and maintaining a
healthy weight are important factors in preventing malignancy's return,
at least for some forms of the disease.
That's the
conclusion of an
American Cancer Society report that updates nutrition and physical
activity recommendations for cancer survivors during and after
treatment.
Among the
points contained in the report:
* For some
kinds of cancer,
just 1 to 3 hours a week of exercise can lower the risk of cancer
recurrence and death, as well as death from all causes. Exercise has
also been shown to improve fitness, fatigue, and several other quality
of life aspects in cancer survivors.
* While a
vegetarian diet
can help health in some ways, there's no direct evidence that this kind
of diet can prevent cancer recurrence. Survivors who eat a vegetarian
diet should ensure that they're getting an adequate intake of nutrients.
* A standard
multivitamin
and mineral supplement in amounts equivalent to 100 percent of the
Daily Value can help cancer survivors meet their nutrient needs when
it's difficult for them to eat a healthy diet. However, some
supplements -- such as those with high levels of folic acid or
antioxidants -- may be harmful during cancer treatment.
* Food safety
is especially important for cancer survivors, particularly during
treatment that involves immunosuppression.
* Alcohol can
affect the risk for new primary cancers in certain areas of the body.
The report is
published in the November/December issue of CA: A Cancer Journal for
Clinicians.
Currently,
nearly two out
of three cancer patients in the United States live more than five years
after their diagnosis. There are more than 10 million Americans who
have been diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives.
More
information
The U.S.
National Cancer Institute has more about life after cancer treatment.
SOURCE:
American Cancer Society, news release, Nov. 30, 2006
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