Episode 9. What are the impacts of Exercise on Cancer?
This episode talks with Dr. Natalie Marshall, who explains how exercise can prevent cancer as well as improve side effects and prevent recurrence for patients with cancer.
Specifically we discuss:
What are basic recommendations for patients with cancer and exercise?
Continue to what you did prior to diagnosis
Something is better than nothing
How much exercise?
3 hours of moderate intensity exercise OR 1.5 hours of moderate intensity exercise
PLUS
Two 20 minute strength training
What are the main benefits of exercise?
Prevents cancer
Improves side effects- mainly treatment related fatigue, lymphedema
Helps tolerate treatment and complete chemotherapy
Prevents recurrence
Lower hospitalization rate
Increases socialization and relationships
What is the mechanism of exercise improving cancer outcomes?
Decreases inflammation
Muscle mass increases myokines which directly inhibits adipokines that can decrease insulin, growth factors and other hormones
Good resources:
Natalie A. Marshall, MD
Dr. Natalie A. Marshall is a breast medical oncologist, lifestyle medicine doctor and also participates in clinical trials at UCSF. She also works with her patients on modifying their habits with the goal of making their bodies less hospitable to cancer growth. This includes instruction and encouragement on diet, sleep, stress reduction and exercise, including a focus on strength training. It is important to her to let patients know how lifestyle modifications can lower the risk of cancer recurrence. She has a clinic in Mission Bay and works at the UCSF Cancer Center in Berkeley.
Dr. Marshall earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of New Mexico Hospital, followed by a fellowship in medical oncology at Yale New Haven Hospital.