Regular exercise may play a crucial role in reducing the harmful physical and psychological effects of cancer treatments, according to a new comprehensive review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
The findings suggest that integrating exercise into cancer care routines can lead to significant improvements in patient wellbeing and recovery outcomes.
Researchers analyzed 80 high-quality studies from 2012 to mid-2024, compiling data on 485 associations between different types of exercise and cancer-related health outcomes.
These included aerobic, resistance, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and mind–body exercises like yoga, tai chi, and Qigong. Among the 260 statistically significant associations, many were linked to better overall health in people living with various cancers, including breast, lung, digestive, and blood cancers.
The review found that exercise helped lessen key treatment-related side effects. These included reduced heart and nerve damage from chemotherapy, improved cognitive function by easing brain fog, and lessened shortness of breath.
Exercise also positively influenced body composition and vital health markers, including insulin, insulin-like growth factor, and C-reactive protein levels.
Beyond physical benefits, the mental health effects were also substantial. Regular movement improved sleep, reduced stress, and enhanced emotional resilience. Patients also reported better social functioning and an overall improved quality of life.
Importantly, pre-surgery exercise was linked to lower rates of postoperative complications, reduced hospital stays, and decreased mortality risk — findings supported by moderate to high certainty levels under the GRADE evaluation system.
While the review acknowledges some limitations — including differences among the pooled studies and the likelihood that healthier patients were more inclined to exercise — it emphasizes the need for further targeted research. Specifically, future studies should aim to refine exercise recommendations based on cancer type, treatment phase, and individual patient needs.
The researchers conclude that incorporating mind–body and physical exercise into cancer care plans holds substantial promise and should be seriously considered as a standard part of oncology treatment protocols.
Related topics:
- 3 Best Exercises For Post Menopausal Belly Fat
- Top 8 Pelvic Floor Exercises for Men
- The Best Kegel Exercises To Last Longer
