{"id":28360,"date":"2022-09-26T09:30:20","date_gmt":"2022-09-26T09:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/?p=24633"},"modified":"2024-11-03T15:13:15","modified_gmt":"2024-11-03T15:13:15","slug":"how-keeping-active-during-cancer-treatment-has-helped-mary-and-keith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ogkologos.com\/en\/how-keeping-active-during-cancer-treatment-has-helped-mary-and-keith\/","title":{"rendered":"How keeping active during cancer treatment has helped Mary and Keith"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"KeithKeith competing in the Red Bull Soapbox Race 2019 at Alexandra Park, London<\/p>

” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/The-Adventure-Cult-Soapbox-2019-300×168.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/The-Adventure-Cult-Soapbox-2019.jpg”><\/p>

Keith competing in the Red Bull Soapbox Race 2019 at Alexandra Park, London<\/p><\/div>

It\u2019s well known that exercise reduces cancer risk<\/a> by helping people maintain a healthy weight, but can it make any difference for people living with cancer?<\/p>\n

\u201cResearch is showing exercise can be helpful both during and after cancer treatment,\u201d says Martin Ledwick, our head information nurse.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat research is ongoing and everyone has different needs and abilities, so it\u2019s really important you discuss with your doctor what forms of exercise might work for you.<\/p>\n

Two people who have found exercise to make a big difference in their cancer journey are Mary Twitchett and Keith Hatherell. Here they share their stories.<\/p>\n

Mary Twitchett<\/p>

” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mary-Twitchett-2-cropped.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mary-Twitchett-2-cropped.jpg” class=” size-full wp-image-24666″ src=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mary-Twitchett-2-cropped.jpg” alt=”Mary Twitchett” width=”200″ height=”200″ srcset=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mary-Twitchett-2-cropped.jpg 200w, https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mary-Twitchett-2-cropped-150×150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mary-Twitchett-2-cropped-96×96.jpg 96w” sizes=”(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px”><\/p>

Mary Twitchett<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Mary\u2019s story<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Mary is a semi-retired nurse who has overcome breast cancer for a second time. She\u2019s currently training to run the London Marathon for Cancer Research UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I was having chemotherapy, I was confident that keeping active was the most special thing, improving blood flow to aid the drugs in reaching my cancerous cells and helping to alleviate some of the post-treatment fatigue,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Such is Mary\u2019s belief in the power of exercise for people with cancer, she helped found a monthly run specifically encouraging people to \u2018move against cancer\u2019 where she lives in Cambridge.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuring my cancer journeys, yes, there were some days I felt horrible, but it made me appreciate the ability to get up and move even more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n
\n

One of my big sayings, even though some look at me as though I\u2019m mad, is that there can be health in cancer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Mary Twitchett<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

From the UK to LA<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Mary already has an impressive sporting CV, including becoming the UK\u2019s number one marathon runner between the ages of 55 and 60 when she won the Los Angeles Marathon for her age group in March 2018, just two months before she was first diagnosed with breast cancer.<\/p>\n

Mary in her Cancer Research UK running vest<\/p>

” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mary-in-running-vest-2.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mary-in-running-vest-2.jpg” loading=”lazy” class=” size-full wp-image-24668″ src=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mary-in-running-vest-2.jpg” alt=”Mary in her Cancer Research UK running vest” width=”200″ height=”200″ srcset=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mary-in-running-vest-2.jpg 200w, https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mary-in-running-vest-2-150×150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mary-in-running-vest-2-96×96.jpg 96w” sizes=”(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px”><\/p>

Mary in her Cancer Research UK running vest<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Her initial treatment was successful, but she required more after a recurrence in May 2021. She finished chemotherapy and had an operation that September, leaving her clear again.<\/p>\n

That same month, Mary was covering two kilometres a day, supported by her group of friends who called themselves Team Mary, and they raised over \u00a36,000.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s only health in cancer because of the scientists,\u201d she says. \u201cBecause of the research and that\u2019s why we need to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of those scientists is Dr John Campbell, a senior lecturer in human physiology at the University of Bath. He\u2019s researching how exercise can be harnessed to improve cancer treatment.<\/p>\n

He was awarded a Pioneer Award<\/a> \u2013 set up to support early-stage projects that are novel, innovative and have the potential to break new ground in cancer research.<\/p>\n

He explains: \u201cExercise is likely to play an important role across the cancer survivorship continuum, and is a likely factor explaining why Mary reports such positive outcomes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe think that exercise achieves this positive effect by changing the way the immune system works against cancers that typically provoke strong immune responses.<\/p>\n

\u201cBreast cancer is a type of cancer that typically provokes strong immune responses, from a type of immune cell called T cells, and we think exercise is likely to help the immune system against this type of cancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cExercise is not always possible, but any type of movement is better than nothing, and more is better than less.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keith\u2019s story<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Keith taking part in a Tough Mudder event in Badminton<\/p>

” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Tough-Mudder-Badminton.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Tough-Mudder-Badminton.jpg” loading=”lazy” class=” size-full wp-image-24635″ src=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Tough-Mudder-Badminton.jpg” alt=”Keith taking part in a Tough Mudder event in Badminton” width=”200″ height=”200″ srcset=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Tough-Mudder-Badminton.jpg 200w, https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Tough-Mudder-Badminton-150×150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Tough-Mudder-Badminton-96×96.jpg 96w” sizes=”(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px”><\/p>

Keith taking part in a Tough Mudder event in Badminton<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

A rare cancer diagnosis left 56-year-old Keith staring at life down a very bleak lens.<\/p>\n

Following his diagnosis with hemangioendothelioma, a rare cancer that grows from the cells that make up the blood vessels, he was told by medics that he could face life in a wheelchair and at best he would have to walk with a stick.<\/p>\n

But Keith was determined to live his life with sports and exercise very much at the front and centre of his weekly routine to provide him with a positive mental attitude.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was told my cancer was a one in a one hundred million case,\u201d he says. \u201cI had hemangioendothelioma of the pelvis, which meant a quarter of my pelvis and muscle had to be removed and my hip was replaced, and my hamstring cut completely.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving led a very active life playing football and snowboarding up until that point, things looked bleak, but following major surgery I take a positive view and see myself as lucky, not unlucky, in spite of what has happened.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite having a dodgy hip and half an arse, 18 months after my operation I took part in a Red Bull event in Austria, which meant running 400 metres up a ski jump as part of an endurance race.<\/p>\n

\u201cI also wanted to return to football as it keeps me active, but as a goalie because I am unable to run without a hamstring.\u201d<\/p>\n

Going for Gold by entering the Paralympics<\/h3>\n
Keith training for the Paralympics in Austria<\/p>

” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ParaOlympic-Training-Austria.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ParaOlympic-Training-Austria.jpg” loading=”lazy” class=” size-full wp-image-24636″ src=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ParaOlympic-Training-Austria.jpg” alt=”Keith training for the Paralympics in Austria” width=”200″ height=”200″ srcset=”https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ParaOlympic-Training-Austria.jpg 200w, https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ParaOlympic-Training-Austria-150×150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ParaOlympic-Training-Austria-96×96.jpg 96w” sizes=”(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px”><\/p>

Keith training for the Paralympics in Austria<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

But if that wasn\u2019t enough, Keith applied to be in the GB Snowsports Para-Team for the South Korea Winter Paralympics back in 2014\/15. He was accepted to be on the team and met the criteria and after intense training for over six months went for his classification.<\/p>\n

Keith picks up the story: \u201cI was then declared too fit to continue as I was now outside of the physio grade used for classification purposes. I was really disappointed, but I am extremely thankful for the experience even though I couldn\u2019t compete.<\/p>\n

\u201cI work twice as hard to make myself better and I believe that if my cancer diagnosis happened a decade ago I could have been an amputee, but thankfully science has moved on and my treatments haven\u2019t stopped me living my best life and I make sure that sports is very much at the centre of how I live.\u201d<\/p>\n

Staying active<\/span> is<\/span> key<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

You don\u2019t need to become a marathon runner or take part in an extreme sport like Mary and Keith to get the benefit of staying active.<\/p>\n

For many people the need to put on their trainers or just go for a walk and be outdoors is enough to reset their mind and help reduce stress.<\/p>\n

Ledwick adds: \u201cIt won\u2019t necessarily mean joining a gym or exercise class, and it could just be a walk to the shop, up some stairs or some gardening.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoing activities your doctor has said are appropriate can help in coping with treatment, aiding recovery and improving wellbeing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael and Ali<\/em><\/p>\n

If you have questions about cancer go to <\/em>www.cancerresearchuk.org\/about-cancer<\/em><\/a> for comprehensive, easy to understand information.<\/em><\/p>\n

Or, if you have specific questions, you can call CRUK\u2019s nurses on freephone 0808 800 4040 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.<\/em><\/p>\n

To chat online with other people affected by cancer join our fully moderated online community <\/em>www.cancerchat.org.uk<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

More on this topic<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n

Source<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Mary Twitchett Mary\u2019s story Mary is a semi-retired nurse who has overcome breast cancer for a second time. She\u2019s currently training to run the London Marathon for Cancer Research UK. \u201cWhen I was having chemotherapy, I was confident that keeping active was the most special thing, improving blood flow to aid the drugs in reaching […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5137],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28360","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-world-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ogkologos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28360","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ogkologos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ogkologos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ogkologos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ogkologos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28360"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ogkologos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28360\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43195,"href":"https:\/\/ogkologos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28360\/revisions\/43195"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ogkologos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28360"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ogkologos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28360"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ogkologos.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28360"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}