A recent study recommends that doctors should prescribe physical exercise to patients undergoing cancer treatment, highlighting its potential to ease side effects and improve overall well-being. The research found that staying physically active during treatment can significantly enhance mental health, sleep quality, and quality of life.
Conducted by a team of researchers in China, the study involved a comprehensive review of 80 systematic reviews examining the link between exercise and various types of cancer. The findings revealed that compared to standard care or inactivity, regular physical activity reduced several treatment-related side effects, including heart and nerve damage and cognitive impairment, often referred to as “chemo brain.”
The study also noted that exercise during cancer treatment can help lower body fat, increase lean body mass, and regulate key health markers such as insulin levels and inflammation, factors that play a vital role in recovery and long-term health outcomes.
Different types of exercises were shown to provide specific benefits. For example, yoga and general physical activity improved sleep quality, while tai chi helped alleviate anxiety.
Researchers emphasised the need for further studies to determine which specific types of exercise are most effective for different forms of cancer, but they strongly advocated integrating physical activity into cancer care plans.
