Fatigue to relieve fatigue in cancer treatment by dancing

Sports and dancing can relieve fatigue in cancer treatment
Cancer patients usually suffer not only from their illness but also from the consequences of the treatment. The therapy increases the already significant burden and often leads to chronic fatigue and exhaustion. Sport and dancing can improve the situation of those affected.

Physical activity right at the beginning of a cancer therapy
Although radiotherapy improves the chances of survival in many cancers, the treatment can also be painful for fatigue and chronic fatigue. As the German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) explains in a recent communication, physical activity right at the beginning of radiotherapy can be helpful in counteracting fatigue.

Cancer patients who are constantly exhausted and tired due to their illness and therapy should become physically active. Sport and dancing help against the so-called fatigue. (Image: Pavel Losevsky / fotolia.com)

Medicines remain ineffective
What exactly triggers the fatigue, in which one is permanently exhausted, is not yet known. According to DEGRO, 60 to 80 percent of cancer patients are affected after radiation and / or chemotherapy. The treatment is considered difficult by the experts. Medications have proven to be largely ineffective.

Some patients reported improvement by ginseng or guarana, others by various complementary medical procedures, such as acupuncture. However, the best effect is achieved by sports activities.

Sports and relaxation exercises help with fatigue
For example, an older study indicated that weight training can help breast cancer patients in fatigue.

As stated in the communication, at least 25 studies in recent years have shown that endurance or strength training, but also yoga, tai chi, qigong, and relaxation exercises help cancer patients. As well as walking, cycling and dancing. "It does not matter much what the patients are doing, but that they are even taking action," said Professor Dr. med. Stephanie E. Combs, spokeswoman for DEGRO.

Release blockage in the head
However, some patients have low motivation because they see in fatigue a signal of the body to have to spare more. "They see the disease as a turning point and find themselves with their exhaustion situation," said Professor Combs.

Therefore, psychological interventions would often help. Also meditation and mindfulness exercises are recommended. Professor Combs says, "It's important to clear the block in the head and show patients that an active lifestyle with movements is worthwhile for them." (Ad)