Patients who have breast and prostate cancer who exercise report a better quality of life and being less fatigued, U.S. researchers said. Lead author Dr. Eleanor M. Walker of Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and colleagues at Henry Ford's Josephine Ford Cancer Center and the Henry Ford Heart & Vascular Institute developed a program called ExCITE -- Exercise and Cancer Integrative Therapies and Education. For each of the 30 female breast cancer patients and 20 prostate cancer patients exercise and diet recommendations were based on their baseline exercise tolerances, weight, health and type of cancer treatment. Acupuncture was advised for patients who experienced hot flashes, pain, nausea/vomiting, insomnia and neuropathy due to the cancer treatment. "Using exercise as an approach to cancer care has the potential to benefit patients both physically and psychologically, as well as mitigate treatment side effects," Walker said in a statement quoted by the United Press International (UPI). "Plus, exercise is a great alternative to patients combating fatigue and nausea who are considering using supplements which may interfere with medications and chemotherapy they're taking during cancer treatment."
