Lung cancer patients who exercise experience less fatigue

Yahoo News reported on May 28, 2008 that lung cancer patients who exercise can better deal with the side effects of cancer (e.g. fatigue).

The benefits of exercise are well-documented in people without cancer. A growing body of research also indicates that exercise can help people with the disease, too -- by reducing fatigue, improving physical functioning, and boosting overall wellbeing. And according to preliminary findings from researchers at Duke University Comprehensive Cancer Center, even some of the most challenged patient groups can reap the rewards.

"This study adds credibility to other studies that show exercise helps during and after cancer treatment," said Anna Schwartz, FNP, PhD, FAAN, professor of nursing at Arizona State University, avid cyclist, and long-time survivor of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She was not involved with the research.

The Duke team found that most patients who had surgery for non-small cell lung cancer were able to tolerate moderate exercise within a month of their operation and were less fatigued and gained greater fitness as a result. The findings, while early, are encouraging for a group whose treatment can have profoundly negative effects on their quality of life. The study will be discussed in a poster presentation on Sunday, June 1st at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago.

Courtesy of Yahoo News