Description
Book SynopsisThere is extremely compelling evidence to suggest that if people are physically active before, during and after cancer treatment, their outcomes are likely to be better. Their risk of recurrence (and death) is lower and their ability to deal with the myriad side effects is improved significantly. Increasingly people with cancer understand this but they are often unsure of what exercise would be best, what is safest, what would be most effective and what to avoid. This book offers very practical, targeted information to enable people to exercise in whatever way they feel ready for. It provides guidance on effective and appropriate exercise for anybody who has received a diagnosis of cancer, including those receiving active treatment and those living with incurable cancer of all types, with the emphasis on the proven benefits of exercise and activity.
Trade ReviewReviewed by a patient, on behalf of The Breast Centre, Cardiff and Vale UHB: This book is accessible from the minute you pick it up – its cover, clear layout and excellent indexing encourage you to open it and investigate further. In the introduction, you will discover that the author, Carolyn Garritt, is extremely well qualified to talk on the subject of exercise both professionally and personally. This book is very credible. The topics covered are wide ranging, from overcoming barriers to exercise after cancer, to practical advice on when and how much to exercise and I found the depth of detail appropriate for a book of this sort. Carolyn includes sufficient information to back up her recommendations and suggestions but not so much as to distract from the key message or to overwhelm. There are comprehensive references for further reading for those that require, as well as a useful appendix of national and regional cancer support organisations. The tone of the book is practical, encouraging and positive and the case studies add a personal angle, showing the difference that exercise can make to individuals. All the exercises suggested in the book are accompanied by clear photographs. I found the information on exercise as prehab as well as in treatment and prevention of lymphoedema particularly interesting. In conclusion I highly recommend this book for anyone who is at any point on the cancer journey. You will find something useful for your particular situation.
Table of ContentsSection 1 Why: Reasons why exercising can help, with the latest evidence for each.; Cancer-related fatigue; Managing mental health, depression and anxiety. Ray's story; The effects of sitting down; The effect of losing muscular strength during treatment; Bone health, osteopenia and osteoporosis. Jane's story; Hormones, cancer, and exercise; Section 2 The different phases: Prehab. How Hima got fit for surgery and Paul coped with watchful waiting; Exercising during treatment - what's do-able; After treatment when the circus leaves town. Side effects and how to adapt your exercise; Lymphoedema; Breathlessness. How to learn to climb stairs comfortably; Pelvic floor for men and women. Adapting to exercise with an 'ostomy. Renate's story; Exercising while 'living with cancer'. My dad's story; Palliative. Roger's story; My story - moving through mastectomy; Section 3 How: How to start. How to find the time, energy and motivation. Marie's story. Thoughts for the reluctant and the self-conscious. Alison's story; Doing what you love. My croquet champ's story; Nordic walking - perfect exercise; High Intensity Interval Training. How to be a HIIT is your own living room; Running, Couch to 5k, 5k Your Way, interval running and parkrun; The joy of Zumba; Relaxation; Upper body strength training after breast cancer; Training after prostate cancer. Tales from the men's group; Section 4 Sample sessions to do at home
