Hina Khan kickboxes less than a week after her breast cancer surgery, we ask experts if that’s ideal

In less than a week after her surgery for breast cancer, Hina Khan shared a video on her Instagram where she is seen kickboxing with her trainer. She even wrote a motivational caption along with the video: “This journey should be remembered for what I made off it .. not the other way around.”

While it is certainly very courageous of her to push her physical limits not long after her surgery (and whilst she is undergoing chemotherapy), Dr Geeta Kadayaprath, Senior Consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital tells indianexpress.com how it’s not something ideal for a cancer patient.

 

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How difficult is it to do heavy exercise whilst undergoing chemotherapy?

Based on the severity of the patient’s condition, they may be given chemotherapy every 2-3 weeks. Patients undergoing chemotherapy are known to experience extreme fatigue, especially the day right after they receive chemotherapy. About 7-10 days after receiving chemotherapy, the fatigue may wear off a little, but not entirely. Even if the workout video is shot a week after undergoing chemotherapy, it must have been very difficult for Hina to practice a heavy workout such as kickboxing and it is certainly commendable.

Are there any risks to practicing a heavy workout along with chemotherapy?

Yes. As we said, chemotherapy causes extreme fatigue and can even weaken the body’s immune system. So, not only is a heavy workout inadvisable for a cancer patient, going out in public places like a gym can pose the risk of a severe infection as well.

Dr Geeta advises patients to take inspiration from Hina to be courageous but not to follow her footsteps and do any heavy workout whilst undergoing treatment. “Your body will tell you [what it’s capable of doing]” says Dr Geeta, emphasizing that a patient should only do as much as their physical strength allows them to.

Even Hina said something along these lines in her caption: “With all due respect to everyone who’s battling similar fights more or less.. the idea is to know yourself, find your own way and listen to your body.”

Should a cancer patient forfeit any form of exercise or workout?

No, Dr Geeta recommends yoga, some light standing exercises, and possibly light cardio if their body allows them to. These simple exercises could go a long way in helping a cancer patient regain their lost immunity and strength.

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