Exercise can significantly reduce the side effects of cancer treatment by improving physical strength, reducing fatigue, supporting immune function, and enhancing overall well-being. Engaging in moderate-intensity exercise during and after cancer treatment helps patients maintain muscle mass and strength, which are often compromised due to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. This preservation of muscle not only aids in maintaining independence but also improves tolerance to ongoing therapies.
One of the most common side effects experienced by cancer patients is fatigue, affecting up to 80-90% during treatment. Exercise has been shown to reduce this cancer-related fatigue substantially—by about 26-30% compared to inactivity—even when it involves simple activities such as walking or light resistance training. This improvement in energy levels can make a meaningful difference in daily functioning and quality of life.
Exercise also plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system. Moderate physical activity increases circulation of immune cells that help the body fight infections and respond better to treatments. While high-intensity workouts might not be suitable for everyone undergoing therapy, gentle daily movement encourages immune resilience without overtaxing the body.
Beyond managing immediate side effects, exercise may improve long-term outcomes for cancer survivors. Studies indicate that staying physically active after diagnosis can lower risks of recurrence and mortality by significant margins—sometimes up to around 28%. Workouts such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with resistance exercises have been found to suppress growth of certain cancer cells more effectively than inactivity alone.
Maintaining cardiovascular fitness through exercise before starting treatment—a concept known as prehabilitation—can prepare patients physically and mentally for upcoming therapies. This preparation has been linked with better recovery rates post-treatment as well as improved psychological well-being during what is often a stressful period.
In addition, regular physical activity helps regulate metabolism and supports healthy weight management, both important factors since obesity or excessive weight gain can worsen prognosis or complicate recovery from some cancers.
Some pioneering programs now offer personalized exercise regimens tailored specifically for people living with various types of cancers such as bowel or upper gastrointestinal cancers. These programs have demonstrated benefits including reduced anxiety levels, fewer symptoms related to depression or low mood, enhanced mobility post-surgery, faster recovery times following treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy—and even lower healthcare costs due to fewer complications.
Overall, incorporating exercise into cancer care is emerging not just as an adjunct therapy but potentially a vital component that enhances survival chances while mitigating many debilitating side effects associated with conventional treatments. The growing recognition among researchers and clinicians points toward making structured physical activity accessible universally within oncology care settings so all patients might reap these substantial benefits regardless of their location or type of cancer diagnosis.