"I had a mastectomy and 32 lymph nodes removed, but sport helps me regain my strength."

L'Hospitalet de Llobregat"I've had breast cancer for four months and I'm undergoing hormone therapy and radiation." Daniela Rodríguez had never touched a basketball, but on Monday she participated in a training session supervised by the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO). "I didn't even know the rules or where to shoot from, but I had a great time. I felt like a little girl who's been given a treat. My partner loves it and often stays up late to watch NBA games, but I'd never played before," she admits. "Sharing experiences with people who are going through the same thing is a good idea. Hormone treatments for cancer cause a lot of pain, and playing sports is a good way to combat it. It's also helpful for insomnia and improves mood. Mood swings are common." The Exorcist"We cry one minute and laugh the next. In five minutes we go through all the moods, and doing things that help us feel better is very useful," confesses Rodríguez.

The session is part of the projectJump for life, A new program launched by the Catalan Basketball Federation (FCBQ) promotes physical activity as a therapeutic complement for young people diagnosed with cancer.Vote for life It's an intervention that uses basketball as a therapeutic tool for cancer patients. The goal is to improve the patients' quality of life both during and after treatment. "Every two weeks we hold a basketball training session so that, while they're learning the rules, they also work on other aspects," says Mireia Daura, the coach who coordinates the sessions. "Basketball allows us to work on components of physical fitness such as strength, endurance, coordination, balance, and agility, in a fun, motivating, and emotionally motivating way for young people with cancer," says Daura, who is also a physiotherapist. "Group training always helps to work on other aspects, such as self-esteem and social relationships," Daura adds. The sessions are held every two weeks. "Sport helps with both prevention and treatment, but especially after treatment ends. The activity helps control cardiovascular risk and helps patients feel better psychologically. There are many studies that confirm this." Furthermore, it's a way to strengthen a support group, since patients often feel isolated during treatment. The impact is very positive,” explains Eva Domingo, hematology coordinator at the Catalan Institute of Oncology.

“Every tumor is different”

"Every tumor is different, but exercise improves survival rates for patients with some types of cancer. Regular exercise leads to more positive outcomes, especially for colon cancer," Domingo explains. The program is aimed at young people aged 18 and over who have undergone cancer surgery or treatment and need to resume physical activity safely, under supervision, and with guidance.

"I don't usually play basketball, but any physical activity can be helpful for coping better with treatments. I had a mastectomy and 32 lymph nodes removed, which is a lot, but sport helps me regain my strength," acknowledges Lola Mulero, another participant in the Jump for life, A safe, adapted initiative, and above all, aligned with current physical activity recommendations. This project, which originated at the ICO L'Hospitalet, has a clear commitment to continuity and growth, and its expansion to other centers of the Catalan Institute of Oncology, such as those in Badalona and Girona, is not ruled out for the future.