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Exercise, Energy Balance, and Cancer pp 199–214Cite as

Benefits of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise for Cancer Survivors

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Part of the book series: Energy Balance and Cancer ((EBAC,volume 6))

Abstract

Participating in physical activity after a diagnosis of cancer is associated with numerous benefits including fewer side effects of surgery and treatment, improved physical functioning, quality of life, and fatigue, and lower risk of recurrence and death. However, most people still remain physically inactive after a cancer diagnosis. More effective strategies to increase physical activity in cancer survivors should be explored. A better understanding of the benefits of exercise may assist in the promotion of physical activity. Specifically, the benefits of different types of physical activity, at various times after diagnosis, and on various cancer outcomes may assist in the adoption and maintenance of physical activity after a cancer diagnosis. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the benefits of different types of exercise including aerobic and resistance exercise at different times after a diagnosis (during treatment vs. post-treatment) on various cancer outcomes (quality of life, cancer-related fatigue, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, lymphedema, biological markers of cancer, and risk of recurrence and mortality). By presenting the benefits of different types of exercise on various cancer outcomes, then hopefully future exercise interventions and programs may be tailored to individual preferences and targeted to specific cancer outcomes, which in turn may lead to increases in physical activity among men and women diagnosed with cancer, and ultimately improve survival and overall quality of life.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA

    Melinda L. Irwin Ph.D., MPH

  2. Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program, Yale Cancer Center, 60 College St, New Haven, CT, USA, 06520-8034

    Melinda L. Irwin Ph.D., MPH

Authors
  1. Melinda L. Irwin Ph.D., MPH
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Correspondence to Melinda L. Irwin Ph.D., MPH .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Pfarrgasse 8b, Gaiberg, 69251, Germany

    Cornelia M. Ulrich

  2. Heidelberger Str. 35, Schriesheim, 69198, Germany

    Karen Steindorf

  3. School of Medicine, Center for Science, Health & Society, Case Western Reserve University, Euclid Ave. 10900, Cleveland, 44106, Ohio, USA

    Nathan A. Berger

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Irwin, M.L. (2013). Benefits of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise for Cancer Survivors. In: Ulrich, C., Steindorf, K., Berger, N. (eds) Exercise, Energy Balance, and Cancer. Energy Balance and Cancer, vol 6. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4493-0_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4493-0_12

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-4492-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-4493-0

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