Best Exercises/Activities For Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive and dangerous neuroendocrine tumor. According to Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) in the US, the annual incidence was 0.79 per 100,000 persons in 2011 and it has increased in the past couple of years (1600 new cases each year in the US). According to the Surveillance of Rare Cancers in Europe (RARECARE), the incidence was about 0.13 per 100,000 in Europe between 1995 – 2002. In Australia, from 1986 to 2001, the annual age-adjusted incidence increase was about 8%. According to another source, the age-adjusted incidence in Queensland was 1.6 per 100,000 between 1993 to 2010.

Merkel cell carcinoma is commonly seen in elderly patients in their 7th decade, usually seen after 65 years of age. Merkel cell carcinoma is common in males than in females (the ratio is 61% in males and 39% in females) The annual incidence in Caucasians is about 0.23 per 100,000, in Africans about 0.01 per 100,000, and the incidence is quite low in Polynesians. The main risk factors for Merkel cell carcinoma are prolonged sun exposure (UV ray exposure) and a weakened the immune system. Therefore, exercises/ activities should be implemented to reduce these risk factors and if you already have Merkel cell carcinoma the activities should be done for mental fitness and if you had Merkel cell carcinoma in the past then prevention strategies to avoid another Merkel cell carcinoma is important. ⁽¹⁾

Exercises are essential for a healthy lifestyle however, outdoor exercises in the sun can prolong your sun exposure and that is a risk factor for Merkel cell carcinoma.

Although the morning sun till 10 does not have a lot of harmful rays and sun exposure after 4 pm also has less harmful rays. However, if you have Merkel cell carcinoma already and you are on treatment or if you had Merkel cell carcinoma in the past or if you have a family history of Merkel cell carcinoma then you are at more risk of getting Merkel cell carcinoma or recurrence. Therefore, it’s best you avoid the sun as much as possible and avoid going out from 10 am to 4 pm. If you need to go out between that time then it is best you follow proper precautions to protect yourself.

So, then what about exercise? You can always do indoor exercises either going to a gym or by walking or running in indoor places. You should not let go of your regular exercises because of the sun exposure but find alternative ways to continue the exercises as that is important for a healthy lifestyle.

Other activities such as yoga, meditation, and other indoor recreational activities such as basketball, squash, table tennis, chess, and bowling. You can also listen to music or read a book. Involve activities with your family, friends, and relatives. Try participating in indoor social activities in your community.

Before you engage in any exercise activity you should get advice from your doctor about what kind of activity you should engage in and how many hours per week you should do. ^{(1) (2) (3)}

Conclusion

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive and dangerous neuroendocrine tumor. Merkel cell carcinoma is commonly seen in elderly patients in their 7th decade, usually seen after 65 years of age. Merkel cell carcinoma is common in males than in females (the ratio is 61% in males and 39% in females). Exercises are essential for a healthy lifestyle however, outdoor exercises in the sun can prolong your sun exposure and that is a risk factor for Merkel cell carcinoma. Do indoor exercises either going to a gym or by walking or running in indoor places. Other activities such as yoga, meditation, and other indoor recreational activities such as basketball, squash, table tennis, chess, and bowling. Try participating in indoor social activities in your community along with your family, friends, and relatives.

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Best Exercises/Activities For Merkel Cell Carcinoma