Physical Activity Reduces Adverse Effects Caused by Cancer Therapy
Cancer Treatment Side Effects Eased with Regular Exercise, Research Suggests
Engaging in regular physical activity during and after cancer treatment can alleviate several side effects and potentially boost overall recovery, according to a recent analysis of multiple studies.
Cancer treatment often inflicts lasting physical and mental impacts, such as fatigue, cognitive impairments, nerve pain, and heart problems, even post-treatment. The investigation encompassed data from 80 studies concerning various cancer types, including breast, prostate, lung, and blood cancers. The findings revealed that exercise could help mitigate some treatment side effects and may even prevent them.
Researchers assessed nearly 500 links between exercise and its effects on the body and mind. Over half of these demonstrated positive outcomes, with approximately one out of every five backed by strong evidence.
The forms of exercise varied widely, from slow, focused movements like tai chi, yoga, and Qigong, to walking, weightlifting, high-intensity training, and even light mobility. Participants experienced fewer heart and nerve issues due to chemotherapy, fewer memory and focus problems, better sleep quality, reduced pain, and improved mood. Their capability to perform daily tasks increased, and they reported better connections with others and improved overall quality of life.
The benefits extended beyond physical improvements. Patients who exercised pre-surgery often had fewer complications afterwards, spent shorter stints in the hospital, and recovered more swiftly. In certain cases, the risk of death from complications decreased. Some blood markers associated with inflammation and hormonal imbalances also improved with exercise, which may contribute to long-term recovery and overall health.
It is essential to note that the ability to exercise during treatment might depend on a person's initial physical condition. Not every cancer patient may find exercise feasible, and factors such as cancer type, disease progression, and treatment method can influence the kind of activity possible. Nonetheless, the results suggest that most people can benefit from some form of movement, even if it's gentle.
While doctors are increasingly recommending exercise as part of cancer care, more research is needed to determine the best exercises for different cancer types and the optimal amounts of activity. The goal is to distinguish the ideal combinations of aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and high-intensity interval training for different stages of cancer and treatments.
For now, it is evident that movement positively impacts cancer patients. Whether it's walking, jogging, dancing, or more intense exercise, staying active before, during, or after cancer treatment can significantly improve patients' feelings of well-being and their recovery process.
Sources:
- Exercise helps mitigate cancer treatment side effects
- Impact of exercise on health outcomes in people with cancer: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials
Regular exercise might help reduce the impact of cancer treatment side effects, such as heart problems, nerve pain, and memory impairments, based on a study that considered data from 80 research projects on various cancer types. Furthermore, health-and-wellness routines including fitness-and-exercise, such as yoga and walking, can potentially improve a patient's mental state, enhance their daily functionality, and promote overall health-and-wellness, helping patients navigate the challenges associated with medical-conditions like cancer.
