How Exercise Can Help You Deal With Breast Cancer

Introduction

Breast cancer is a condition in which the cells in the breast proliferate out of control. Breast cancer comes in several forms and based on which breast cells develop into cancer, the type of breast cancer is determined.

It is crucial to realise that the majority of breast lumps are referred to technically as a tumour but may be benign and not cancerous (malignant). Some benign breast lumps can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer, even if the majority of them are not life-threatening. Any breast lump or change in the breast should be examined by a medical professional to determine whether it is benign or malignant (cancer) and whether it may increase your risk of developing cancer in the future. 

Different areas of the breast may be affected by breast cancer. Connective tissue, ducts and lobules are the three fundamental parts of a breast. The glands that generate milk are called lobules. In order to reach the nipple, milk passes through ducts. Everything is wrapped in and held in place by connective tissue, which is composed of fibrous and fatty tissue. Most breast cancers begin in the lobules or ducts.

Breast cancer can spread outside the breast via lymphatic and blood arteries. Breast cancer is said to have metastasised when it spreads to other areas of the body.

There are several parts to the breast where cancer can start:

• The glands that produce breast milk are called lobules. Lobular malignancies are tumours that develop here.
• The milk is transported to the nipple by ducts, which are tiny channels that emerge from the lobules. This is the most typical area for breast cancer to begin. Ductal malignancies are cancers that develop here.
• Milk is released from the breast through ducts at the nipple that connect and grow to produce larger ducts. The areola, a slightly thicker, darker skin layer, surrounds the nipple. Paget disease of the breast, a less common type of breast cancer, can start in the nipple.
• The ducts and lobules are surrounded by fat and connective tissue (stroma), which aids in maintaining their position. The phyllodes tumour, a less common kind of breast cancer, can grow in the stroma.
• Each breast contains lymphatic and blood arteries as well. A less frequent form of breast cancer called angiosarcoma can begin in the lining of these blood vessels. 

Occasionally, breast cancers develop in tissues other than the breast. Sarcomas and lymphomas are the names of these cancers, which are not typically thought of as breast cancers.

Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms

You must be aware of how your breasts typically feel and look. Mammograms do not always detect breast cancer, despite the importance of routine screening tests for the disease. This implies that it’s crucial for you to check your breasts routinely and look out for any changes.

The most typical sign of breast cancer is a new tumour or lump (although most breast lumps are not cancerous). Breast tumours can sometimes be soft, spherical, tender or even painful and some are painless, like a hard mass with irregular borders.

The following are some of the signs of breast cancer:

• A full or partial breast enlargement (even if no lump is felt)
• Skin crevasses (sometimes looking like an orange peel)
• Nipple or breast pain
• Nipple retracting (turning inward)
• Nipple or breast skin that is rosy, dry, flaky or thickened
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
• Lymph nodes under the arm or close to the collarbone that is swollen (Sometimes, this can be a sign of breast cancer spreading even before the original tumour in the breast is large enough to be felt).

There are numerous benign (non-cancerous) breast disorders that can also cause these symptoms. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to get any new breast tumour, lump or alteration examined by a skilled medical practitioner so the cause can be identified and treated, if necessary.

Keep in mind that regular breast cancer screenings are crucial. Breast cancer can be detected early, before any symptoms are noticed, through mammography. You have a better chance of receiving effective treatment if breast cancer is detected early.

Exercising After Being Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

One of the most crucial things you can do to maintain your health after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is exercise. Exercise or any other home remedies cannot help in eliminating any cancer. However, according to research, women who exercise have a higher quality of life and experience fewer side effects both during and after treatment. Additionally, studies have shown that exercise improves mood, stamina and general health and fitness. These factors are crucial for the health of the mind and body, especially when a person is dealing with something as stressful as undergoing cancer treatment. 

Breast cancer may limit your ability to move your shoulder and arm or carry out daily tasks like getting dressed, taking a shower and combing your hair. Your arm and shoulder’s range of motion may be restricted by pain and stiffness.

That is why it’s critical to perform exercises to regain movement in your arm and shoulder. Along with that, you will need to focus on exercises for overall fitness. Exercises must also be done in the post-surgery recovery stage to aid in reducing post-surgery side effects and speed up your return to regular activities.

Exercises are especially more crucial if you have radiation therapy following surgery to maintain your arm and shoulder flexible. Your arm and shoulder may still be affected by radiation even after your therapy is over. As a result, it’s critical to establish a regular exercise routine to preserve arm and shoulder mobility following breast cancer radiation treatments.

Types Of Exercises

1. Cardiovascular exercise

Also known as cardio, this is a sort of exercise that increases your heart rate and may make you sweat. Exercises like walking, running, rowing, riding a bike or swimming are all very effective cardio exercises. It is advised that patients diagnosed with breast cancer do cardio for at least 30 minutes five days a week (or 150 minutes total). This type of physical activity enhances heart health and aids in maintaining a healthy weight. Many people also find it helpful for stress management and preserving feelings of positivity.

Cardiovascular exercises increase blood flow to all parts of the body, help with better oxygen retention, keep the joints smooth and aid in digestion. They improve sleep quality, which in turn helps with stress management. 

Studies can show that breast cancer survivors and those carrying the gene for the same benefit from staying active. Other studies have found that the chances of recurrence of cancer are lower among people who exercise regularly. 

2. Shoulder exercise

As explained, breast cancer may limit shoulder movement. The trick is not to go overboard and strain your shoulders. People new to shoulder exercises can try shoulder rotation, plank, shoulder stretch, wall pushups and lifting dumbbells that are not heavier than 1 kg each. 

People who work out in gyms can try dumbbell shoulder presses, arm circles and one-arm dumbbell rows. Talk to your doctor before you hit the gym after your diagnosis or surgery. 

3. Arm exercises

The arms, too, must be exercised so that your daily activities can continue uninterrupted. Simple home exercises that can free up your arm are- tricep dips, wall pushups, bicep curls with gentle weights and plank. 

4. Yoga

Yoga is a great way to stretch sore and aching muscles without causing further injury. Some ‘asanas’ or postures are particularly beneficial for the chest, shoulder and arm muscles- dhanurasana, marjaryasana, uttana shishosana and garudasana. 

For control, stress and anxiety, balasana, sukhasana and viparita Karani will come to your assistance. 

Exercises To Avoid

Some exercises are best avoided when you are ill or recovering. Your body is vulnerable and the best way forward is to strengthen it with limited doses of exercise. 

It is imperative that you avoid-

• High impact sports
• Exercising beyond your physical limit.
• Any exercise that makes you feel weak and giddy. 

Tips On Exercise

The start of treatment is not the right moment to start a rigorous fitness regimen. You’ll probably have days when you feel energised and days when you feel more worn out.

• If you have previously started exercising, keep doing so as long as you feel capable, paying attention to your body’s signals and taking breaks when necessary.
• If you want to start working out right away, think about doing a gentle walking programme. Many patients believe that going for a daily stroll during therapy enhances both their physical and emotional well-being.
• An essential component of breast cancer survival is an exercise regimen that suits your personality, way of life and fitness objectives.
• You should think about the advantages of each type and develop a fitness plan that works for you as you transition from treatment to survivorship.

Conclusion

Breast cancer requires immediate and categorical treatment. The treatment and, in fact, the diagnosis of cancer can be stressful for the mind and body of the patient. That is why doctors recommend regular exercise to help your body cope with and respond to treatment. Exercise also speeds up recovery post-surgery. Start exercising when your doctor advises. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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