Exercise has been found to significantly reduce the side-effects associated with cancer treatment, improving various aspects of health and wellbeing.
Regular exercise has been found to significantly reduce the side-effects associated with cancer treatment, according to the most comprehensive review of its kind. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, analyzed pooled data from 485 associations across 80 articles and concluded that exercise can improve various aspects of health and wellbeing.
Regular exercise is essential for maintaining physical and mental health.
It helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Exercise also improves sleep quality, boosts mood, and increases energy levels.
The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.
Regular physical activity can also improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Reducing Cancer-Related Adverse Events
Exercise was found to lessen heart and peripheral nerve damage associated with chemotherapy, brain fog (cognitive impairment), and shortness of breath (dyspnoea). It also changed body composition and key physiological indicators of health, such as insulin, insulin-like growth factor, and C-reactive protein in people with cancer. Furthermore, exercise was shown to reduce the risk of postoperative complications, pain, length of hospital stay, and risk of death.
Improving Quality of Life
Exercise not only reduced side-effects but also improved sleep quality, psychological wellbeing, normal bodily functions, and social interaction. This led to an overall improvement in quality of life for patients undergoing cancer treatment. The study’s findings suggest that incorporating exercise into cancer treatment protocols can have a significant impact on patient health.
Expert Perspective
According to Celene Doherty, a specialist cancer information nurse at Cancer Research UK, the study provides further evidence that exercise can help reduce side effects from cancer treatment and improve long-term health. However, she emphasized the importance of taking things at one’s own pace and doing activities that are right for each individual patient.
Key Takeaways
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Exercise can significantly reduce cancer-related adverse events.
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Regular physical activity improves sleep quality, psychological wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
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Incorporating exercise into cancer treatment protocols can lead to better health outcomes.
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Patients should consult with their cancer team for personalized advice on incorporating exercise into their treatment plan.
