According to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA) ovarian cancer patients can benefit from exercise that will support them during various phases of their illness and treatment. Dealing with the disease may include gentle forms of exercise to aid recovery after surgery, a rest from exercise if fatigue is a problem during chemotherapy, or a full return to exercise for ovarian cancer survivors. Choose ovarian cancer exercises that are compatible with symptoms and treatment side effects.
After Surgery
Hysterectomy and bowel resection are common surgeries in ovarian cancer patients. Pelvic floor exercises and a beginning walking program are recommend for those recovering from abdominal surgery.
Pelvic Floor Exercises: While seated, pull up on the bladder as if stopping the flow of urine and hold for five seconds. Repeat 10 times, three times a day. While standing, pull up on the bladder in a quick pulsing motion. Pulse 20 times. Repeat several times a week. The pulsing exercise is easy to remember if you do it every time you're standing in a line.
Walking Program: Walking is one of the most useful exercises you can do. From post surgery walks around the hospital floor to stimulate digestion, to long-distance fundraising walks for , walking heals and strengthens. Start your walking program as soon as you have your doctor's clearance.
Begin with manageable distances such as twice around the block and if you can, walk every day or close to it. Add minutes or steps every other walk until you reach fitness level walking of about three miles in an hour.
During Treatment
Ovarian cancer patients receiving chemotherapy must tailor their exercises to their side effects and body cues. Sometimes a walking program should be slower, especially during the few days after chemotherapy infusion. If fatigue or nausea sets in, a light, slow walk may help, but rigorous exercise not advised.
Pelvic floor exercises may be continued. Gentle stretching can be added with aches and pains resulting from bed rest, and body-mind methods are a good choice to improve well being and reduce the stress of chemotherapy
Gentle Stretching Exercises: Lie on your back with your arms at your side, your knees bent and your feet several inches apart. Slowly raise up your pelvis while pressing down into both feet and your shoulders. Inhale. As you exhale slowly lower the spine one bone at a time from top to bottom. Repeat five times.
Still on your back, slowly turn neck to the right and hold five seconds then turn left and hold five more. Bring head back to center and backstroke with your right arm, then switch to the left. Move smoothly to stretch the shoulders and keep the ribs pressing gently into the floor to avoid arching or straining your back or neck.
Finally, pull up on the knees toward the chest and hold your legs behind the thighs, like you are curled up in a ball. Relax your head and neck. Stretch your low back and hips like this for up to a minute. Repeat this and other gentle stretching exercises daily.
Body-Mind Methods: OCNA is conducting a study on tai chi as an exercise method of choice for ovarian cancer patients. This is because tai chi, qigong, yoga and meditation are body-mind exercises that can be both gentle and effective for cancer patients. It is best to learn these exercises from a qualified instructor, so check your local listings for a class near you. Many hospitals are sponsoring classes in body-mind methods for patients of all kinds. Ask your doctor or other patients in chemotherapy for referrals.
Ovarian Cancer Survivors
Cancer patients often enjoy a full return to fitness after successful treatment and return to normal activities. Ovarian cancer survivors usually don't experience any physical limitations to exercise due to their disease or hysterectomies, so choosing exercises to continue for life is each patient's choice to make.
Some cancer patients have an even greater interest in exercise after beating their disease and healing their bodies. Challenging exercise practices can keep ovarian cancer survivors physically strong, and lower their risks of future health problems overall.
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