Can walking help lung cancer patients sleep better? A recent study out of Taiwan looked at this issue and suggests that walking can indeed help lung cancer patients sleep better.
In the United States (“US”), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), in 2013, the most current statistical year, 212,584 people were diagnosed with lung cancer. 111,907 men were diagnosed, along with 100,677 women. With that said, lung cancer is responsible for 156,176 deaths in the US during the same time.
The CDC lists smoking and exposure to second hand smoke, among other things, as risk factors for developing lung cancer. Based on the CDC’s information, 80%-90% of lung cancer in the US is linked to smoking. Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, with at least 70 known to cause cancer in people and animals.
The results of the above study revealed that people who participated in a 12 week home based walking program had better sleep quality at 3 and 6 months after the completion of the program. Based on news reports, these findings fall in line with studies dealing with walking and individuals with breast and colorectal cancer.
The findings of the study are important because many people who are dealing with lung cancer can have trouble sleeping. Poor sleep quality can have adverse effects on a lung cancer patient’s treatment and quality of life.
Researchers looked at 111 lung cancer patients. The ages ranged from late 30s all the way to patients in their 80s. Close to 2/3rds of the patients were in stage 1 of lung cancer.
To read more about the study and the story in support of this posting, please follow the link here for more information. Please remember to always speak with your doctor before starting any type of treatment for a medical condition.
