Introduction
The lungs are two spongy organs present in the chest. The lungs allow a person to breathe in oxygen and carbon dioxide. Cancer affecting the respiratory organ is known as lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related fatalities. Individuals who have never smoked can have lung cancer, but usually, smokers are at a higher risk than nonsmokers. Lung cancer treatment requires resection (removal) of the tumor along with some of the surrounding healthy tissue. In most cases, exercise training before surgery provides several benefits to the individual.
What Are the Different Types of Lung Cancer?
Doctors classify the disease into two main categories based on how lung cancer cells look under a microscope. The type of cancer determines the treatment methodology and medications. The main two types of lung cancer are:
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Small Cell Lung Cancer - Small cell lung cancer is less prevalent than non-small cell and mainly affects heavy smokers.
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Non-small Cell Lung Cancer - "Non-small cell lung cancer" refers to various lung malignancies. For example, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma are non-small cell lung malignancies.
What Are the Advantages of Exercise Before Lung Cancer Surgery?
According to research, moderate-to-intense exercise in the weeks before lung cancer surgery may enhance fitness, reduce the post-surgical duration of hospital stays, and lower the chances of postoperative sickness. However, people with lung cancer may find exercise intimidating, especially if they have trouble breathing when not exerting. Nevertheless, exercise has several advantages before surgery, including:
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Enhanced happiness and quality of life.
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Reduces fatigue and inflammation.
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Maintaining independence and increased ability to carry out daily activities.
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Enhancing mobility and general fitness.
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It helps in building muscle strength.
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Aerobic and strength training can assist in managing dyspnea (shortness of breath#mce_temp_url#), enhance sleep quality, and reduce the need for hospital admission in other chronic lung disorders, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder).
What Are the Types of Exercise Recommended for Patients Going for Lung Surgery?
The person should stay physically active during the day and avoid spending too much time lying down or sitting still. Partaking in small activities or light exercise daily, such as walking in the house, is recommended for being idle. Currently, no best fitness regimen is available for those with lung cancer, and when a person starts, it may be intimidating. However, the following workouts and exercises can be used, depending on the program's objectives:
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Aerobic exercises, such as walking, stationary cycling, and swimming.
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Progressive, such as using weights, bands, and body weight.
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Exercise to improve balance.
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Light to moderate yoga with stretching exercises.
How Are Breathing Exercises Beneficial for Lung Cancer Patients?
Shortness of breath and respiratory problems are common in people with lung cancer and can prevent them from being active. Therefore, beginning a fitness regimen with breathing exercises can be beneficial. In addition, restoring lung capacity can increase endurance, making it simpler to complete daily tasks.
Diaphragmatic breathing through pursed lips is a crucial breathing technique. The diaphragm is a muscle between the lungs and the abdomen. If a person feels short of breath while engaged in an activity, this exercise can help control breathing.
How to Perform Breathing Exercises?
Diaphragmatic breathing is performed in the following steps:
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First, place a hand on the abdomen and sit or stand up straight.
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Push the abdomen out while taking a nose-first breath. The stomach is touched by a hand. As a result, the diaphragm can descend, expanding the lung capacity.
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To clear the lungs fully, softly exhale through tightly pursed lips while gently pushing inside and upward with the hand on the abdomen.
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Inhale slowly via the nose, allowing air to enter the lungs.
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Several times a day, repeat the activity.
How AreStretching Exercises Useful for Lung Cancer Patients?
Stretching enhances blood and oxygen flow to the lung muscles and increases the body's healing ability. In addition, regular upper body exercises enhance the lung capacity and extend the chest cavity. This exercise enables the lungs and diaphragm to move more freely, promoting deeper breathing and reducing shortness of breath.
A person can increase the range of motion and reduce body stiffness by gently stretching other body parts. This is especially crucial following radiation therapy, which can tighten muscles. Stretching also helps to remove surgical scar tissue. Stretching can also assist with posture improvement. For example, the shoulders may curve forward due to prolonged sitting, which lowers lung capacity. Stretching can also help a person cope with the stress and anxiety of lung cancer. Regular stretching is necessary to maintain and gradually increase flexibility and range of motion.
How Does Aerobic Activity Help Lung Cancer Patients?
Regular aerobic exercise is the best method for people with lung cancer to get fitter. It increases oxygen capacity and heart strength. Walking, dancing, or any other activity that raises the heart rate are all examples of aerobic exercise. The ultimate objective is to exercise for approximately 150 minutes each week, which is the same amount advised for healthy individuals. The fitness level improves over time; moving carefully, setting goals, and paying close attention to the body is advisable.
At first, patients may find it difficult to exercise for very long as fatigue sets in quickly. But perseverance and effort pay off with daily efforts and help extend the exercise session. Short workout sessions of ten minutes each are an excellent way to start. Loose, comfortable clothing of appropriate size may be invested in. Starting with low-intensity exercise, like walking, is safe. A person can begin by strolling through a room in the house, taking breaks, and repeating the process. Try to increase the distance as a person will gain more self-assurance. Use a pedometer to track progress and help a person create and reach goals. Making minor adjustments, such as parking away from the destination and using stairs instead of elevators, helps a person gradually raise their endurance.
How Is Strength Training Beneficial in Lung Cancer Patients?
Strength training can strengthen muscles weakened by chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and people with lung cancer may benefit from it. Additionally, exhaustion can lead to long periods of sitting or lying down, which causes muscle mass loss in those who have survived lung cancer. It may be possible to get back to work and everyday chores sooner if a person gets stronger through strength training. Strength training can also help improve posture, balance, and bone strength. Resuming the same exercise routine at the same level is unrealistic. Surgery does not affect an individual’s fitness, strength, or endurance. Instead, the workout progression outlined above should be followed: breathing, walking, stretching, and then strength training.
Conclusion
The significance of exercise in cancer treatment has become evident nowadays. Exercise is recognized as safe and beneficial for cancer survivors throughout and after treatment, and oncologists and their staff advise their patients to do so. Oncology rehabilitation programs are gaining popularity and are now considered standard cancer care. Many distinct benefits of exercise have been identified in recent research investigations. Some studies have demonstrated that it considerably reduces cancer-related fatigue and can increase survival in some advanced cancer stages. A person should consult a cancer care team for any questions or concerns regarding the fitness regimen that is best for them.
