Although maintaining a healthy lifestyle may still be a mystery and very problematic for many long-term cancer patients, the advantages associated with exercise -- even for lymphoma patients on chemotherapy -- are definitely worth it.

Canadian researchers randomly assigned 122 patients with Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to one of two treatment groups. One participated in a 12-week exercise program emphasizing cardiovascular fitness (including flexible workout schedules, a good gym and frequent positive reinforcement by staff members), while the other was assigned to "usual care" and no exercise regimen.

Not surprisingly, lymphoma patients improved their cardiovascular numbers by more than 20 percent and reported better mental health, less fatigue, significantly better physical functioning and an improved quality of life. What's more, patients undergoing chemotherapy benefited just as much from exercise as did those who were off their treatments.

Additionally, some 47 percent of the patients on the exercise side experienced a "complete response" (no evidence of disease) versus nearly 31 percent of those in the usual care group.

If you've been wanting to start an exercise program, but don't know where to begin, take a minute to read our 10 tips worth considering before you take your first steps to better health.

Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol. 27, No. 27, pp. 4605-4612, September 20, 2009

ScienceDaily November 7, 2009