Although it’s definitely not an easy topic to discuss, someone around you is likely to contract breast cancer in their lifetime. It may be someone close to you, a neighbor, or possibly a co-worker. The diagnosis is always devastating and the challenges that come with treatments are extremely demanding.
All you can do is support your loved one in this difficult time and remain as informed as you can.
Along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, research has shown that strength training and improving muscle mass prior to and after surgery has a direct correlation to survival rates of cancer patients.
As women age, they naturally lose muscle mass due to menopause and hormonal fluctuations. It is important to keep muscle tone fit in order to stay strong and healthy. Strength training becomes even more important in order to remain active and productive as we age. It may also actually help women get through breast cancer.
A study was performed by JAMA Oncology on 3,241 women with stage II or stage III breast cancer between the ages of 18 and 80. The study concluded that women with low muscle mass were 40% more likely to die from breast cancer.
We know that treatments can be harsh and sometimes extremely draining. Energy is probably at an all-time low and exercise automatically gets put on the backburner as the cancer patient fights to survive. But did you know that exercise is actually good and can help the patient raise energy levels to help the body fight the disease?
Finding a good physical trainer that is aware of the situation and is knowledgeable in safe strength training for breast cancer patients is important. Our personal trainers at Pinnacle Training and Fitness are skilled in safely helping cancer patients stay fit and reach their strength training goals.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis and is going through treatments, remember that you are not alone and that staying strong can increase your chances of survival drastically.
Come in and speak to one of our personal trainers at Pinnacle Training and Fitness. They are here to listen and to help!