Bowel cancer
How does exercise help with bowel cancer?
Although limited research, the emerging evidence indicates significant improvements in preventing physical decline, assisting management of fatigue and promoting a better quality of life during treatment cycles. Post-treatment exercise has the ability to restore livelihood and complete regular daily activities.
Things to remember
- Any surgery or treatment have the ability to affect our bladder or bowel continence . If this affects you, let your exercise professional know to allow for toilet breaks.
- Patients receiving chemotherapy may experience fluctuating periods of sickness and fatigue during treatment cycles that require frequent modifications to exercise prescription, such as reducing intensity and/or duration of the exercise session.
- Short bouts of exercise may be more suited to begin with, this can be progressively increased as your fitness improves.
- Avoid pushing through any pain, especially in the abdominal region. It is important to start slowly when beginning an exercise program, and avoid pushing into stronger pain.
What type of exercise is best for bowel cancer?
You may like to combine multiple forms of exercise for bowel cancer, including:
- Strengthening and functional exercises to help build maintain and restore muscles that are important for mobility and physical function, for example, squats, wall push ups or sit to stands.
- Aerobic exercises to help improve our ability to maintain movements without becoming out of breath and decrease side-effects of anti-cancer therapy. Walking, swimming or bike riding provide a form of aerobic exercise, the intensity should start of at a low-moderate level working up to high- intensity training as our aerobic capacity increases.
- Stretching exercises of all major muscle groups also addressing specific areas of joint of muscle restriction that may have resulted from treatment with steroids, radiation, or surgery.
Seek the advice of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist before undertaking any exercise.
How do I get started?
Talk to your GP or other treating specialist about an exercise program that suits your personal preferences and circumstances.
Alternatively, Accredited Exercise Physiologists, who are university-trained health professionals with expertise in the design and delivery of lifestyle interventions for people with chronic and complex conditions including bowel cancer, will be able to create an individualised exercise program that suits your needs.Â
Frequently asked questions
What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is an allied health professional that prescribes individualised exercise therapy to help people manage their chronic conditions, disabilities, long-term injuries and so much more. They are the most qualified professionals in Australia when it comes to the prescription safe and effective of exercise therapy.
Who should see an AEP?
Anyone who wants to move safely and improve their health can benefit. From chronic conditions to injury recovery, or simply wanting advice on how to exercise right, an exercise physiologist is the expert to see.
Is an AEP covered by Medicare or private health insurance?
Yes. As allied health professionals, exercise physiology services are recognised in government health funding including Medicare, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA), workers’ compensation and private health insurers. It’s important that you check with your provider as coverage can vary. Â
Where can I find an AEP?
Use recognised directories like Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), ask your GP or look for allied health clinics with AEP credentials.
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