The benefits of physical activity during cancer treatment: how exercise can help manage symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment
Introduction
Cancer – in its scientific and more appropriate term, “neoplasm” – is a devastating disease, or rather a group of diseases, still affecting millions of people worldwide as of today. Being described as the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases, as well as one of the conditions bearing the highest “burden of disease” in the human species, cancer has a profound impact on both physical and emotional well-being.While modern medical advancements have significantly improved cancer treatment outcomes, soothing or avoiding the side effects of therapies remains a daunting challenge to be faced with by modern-day science and clinical research.Fortunately, physical activity is one of the tools increasingly supported by scientific evidence as a complementary approach to cancer treatment, since new discoveries are being made in the healthcare sector year after year.
Engaging in regular exercise during therapy has shown to provide a myriad of benefits to patients of all ages, ranging from symptom management to improved quality of life (QoL). In this article, we will explore the advantages of physical activity and its potential role in alleviating the symptoms and side effects experienced by cancer patients. In particular, we will analyse five main points as to how physical exercise can improve cancer patients’ recovery process:
- Psychological and emotional well-being
- Physical function enhancement and fatigue reduction
- Muscle mass and bone density preservation
- Side-effect reduction
- Immune system strengthening
1. Psychological and emotional well-being
Cancer diagnosis and treatment can take a significant toll on a patient’s mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress among other psychological disorders. Physical activity has been proven to have positive effects on psychological well-being by triggering the release of endorphins, endocannabinoids, serotonin, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and other body’s natural “mood enhancers” [1]. Engaging in regular exercise can reduce stress and anxiety levels, providing patients with the considerable emotional boost they need, while also increasing their motivation in the process of recovery from the illness.
2. Physical function enhancement and fatigue reduction
Even in older patients, maintaining a good physical shape and improving their own physical function remain of vital importance for a good quality of life (QoL). In this regard, physical activity has been shown to help reduce cancer-related fatigue, which is one of the most common and debilitating side effects of cancer therapies experienced by patients [2]. Moderate aerobic exercises, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, have been demonstrated to increase energy levels and reduce fatigue, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life of our patients.
3. Muscle mass and bone density preservation
Certain cancer treatments, and most famously hormonal therapies and corticosteroids, are known for leading to a loss of bone density and muscle mass in the long run. Weight-bearing and weight-lifting exercises, resistance training, and strength-building activities can help mitigate these effects by preserving both the bone density and muscle mass. This way, cancer patients see their overall physical function enhanced and a reduced risk of fractures and mobility issues, which are especially important in the elderlies [3][4].
4. Side-effect reduction
The almost totality of cancer treatments can notably lead to adverse side effects, such as nausea, pain, and weakness. Engaging in physical activity has been associated with the alleviation of many of these symptoms. For instance, certain exercises, such as yoga and tai chi, can aid in managing pain and promoting patients’ relaxation. Furthermore, activities based on flexibility and balance training may reduce the risk of falls, which can be especially crucial for elderly patients undergoing bone-weakening treatments [5][6].
5. Immune system strengthening
Lastly, cancer treatments – particularly chemotherapy and radiation – are well known for their ability to weaken the immune system, leaving patients more susceptible to infections. Regular exercise has been shown to enhance immune function, reducing the risk of infection and promoting faster recovery in cancer patients. Exercise promotes circulation and maturation of immune cells, enhancing the body’s ability to fight illness and maintain overall health [7].
Conclusion
The implementation of exercise programmes into cancer treatment regimens offers a wide range of benefits for our patients. From managing treatment-related side effects to improving emotional well-being and motivation, physical activity stands as an efficacious helping hand for these courageous fighters and can play a crucial role in enhancing their overall quality of life. Nevertheless, it is essential for patients to consult their healthcare providers before engaging in any exercise program, since their individual circumstances and treatment schemes may influence of even dictate which activities can be done and which ones cannot. All in all, promoting physical activity as a complementary approach to cancer treatment empowers patients to actively participate in their recovery journey on one hand, while on the other hand also fostering a holistic view of these individuals and cancer management as a whole.
As always happens in science, further research is surely warranted to refine exercise recommendations for all kinds of neoplastic diseases and categories of patients. Ultimately, combining physical activity and conventional cancer treatments can definitely impact positively the lives of many individuals on their journey to physical and mental health, and to a higher quality of life.So, I hope you liked the article and found it useful, especially if you have any relatives or friends bearing a neoplastic disease. Help them by sending them this article, and also the many pages about “Genç Birikim Derneği” and Salih Yüce’s unrelenting work of cancer awareness-raising information.I hope you enjoyed, again thank you for listening. Best of luck and talk to you in the next episode!
Bye bye!
sources
- “Effects of Different Exercise Interventions on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial”, T. Odynets et al., Integrative Cancer Therapies, 2019.
(Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31625419/) - “Effects of Different Exercise Interventions on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial”, T. Odynets et al., Integrative Cancer Therapies, 2019.
(Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31625419/) - “Effect of physical exercise on muscle mass and strength in cancer patients during treatment–a systematic review”, G. B. Stene et al., Critical Reviews in Oncology and Haematology, 2013.
(Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23932804/) - “Review of the bone mineral density data in the meta-analysis about the effects of exercise on physical outcomes of breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy” A. Sánchez-Fernández et al., Maturitas, 2020. (Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32891446/)
- “Running away from side effects: physical exercise as a complementary intervention for breast cancer patients”, S. Casla et al., Clinical andTranslational Oncology, 2014.
(Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24894838/) - “Associations between Physical Exercise, Quality of Life, Psychological Symptoms and Treatment Side Effects in Early Breast Cancer”, L. Vehmanen et al., Breast Journal, 2022.
(Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36474966/) - “Physical activity influences the immune system of breast cancer patients”, T. Schmidt et al., Journal of Cancer Research Therapeutics, 2017. (Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28862198/)