Cancer survivors too heavy, too sedentary
I don't want to be too heavy or too sedentary. I know both will increase the odds that my cancer will come back.Most cancer survivors know a healthy lifestyle can help prevent recurrences and increase life expectancies. Yet, new research finds that this group has rates of obesity and physical inactivity similar to those of the general population. This is troubling because maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise is critical for cancer survivors who wish to conquer their diseases and live a long life.
The details of this research, published in the June issue of Cancer, include the following.
- Less than one quarter of cancer survivors were physically active.
- Thirty-four percent of survivors were overweight. Almost one in five were obese.
- The lowest rates of physical activity were found among colorectal cancer survivors, breast cancer survivors, and female survivors of melanoma.
"There is a teachable moment when someone is diagnosed," he says, "It's the perfect opportunity to say, 'We all need to eat healthy and exercise, but it's even more important for you as a cancer survivor.'"
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