Welcome, Melanie -- a guest blogger!

Hey Running Buddies!  I wanted to introduce you to my first guest blogger, Melanie Bowen.  She is passionate about sharing information on preventing cancer.  Please see her article below.

Cancer and Fitness: The Link Goes Deeper Than you Think

By now, almost everyone understands that there is at least some connection between cancer and fitness. However, most people grossly underestimate how deep this connection goes. When it comes to preventing and fighting cancer, fitness is one of the most powerful tools patients have at their disposal. Here are some of the ways that research has shown a strong link between fitness and better odds against cancer.

Avoiding Cancer

The first studies conducted about the link between cancer and fitness showed that there was a strong connection between high levels of fitness and low rates of cancer. However, many researchers believed that this link was due to higher rates of obesity among those who did not exercise, which has long been known to increase the odds of developing cancer. Later studies controlled for weight, and the link still remained. Because of this, doctors are advising their patients to view fitness as a contributor to cancer prevention efforts.

Fighting Cancer

Exercising while undergoing chemotherapy and other cancer treatments is difficult, but studies have shown that those who engage in light forms of exercise tend to handle their treatments better. In addition, those who enter treatment with high levels of physical fitness will be better able to deal with decreased appetite, fatigue and other side effects of chemotherapy. When it comes to fighting cancer, high levels of fitness are a great way to improve your outcome.

Recovering From Cancer

Studies have also shown that those who resume exercise as quickly as possible recover from cancer treatments faster than those who do not. While it will take time before you can resume your old exercise routine, performing light exercise as soon as possible can help. In addition, the preventative effects of fitness on cancer remain even after you have been diagnosed, and those who begin to exercise soon after treatment has ceased are less likely to develop cancer again in the future. Recovery will be difficult, but fitness can help.

Cancer is one of the most difficult diseases to battle no matter if you are fighting breast cancer or mesothelioma, and those who begin on the long road to recovery from cancer will want to take all steps possible to ease their burden. By incorporating exercise into your daily life as soon as possible, you can improve your odds of success regardless of whether you have been diagnosed with cancer or not.