Exercise Oncology: Researchers Link Exercise During Cancer Treatment to Improved Outcomes

Exercise oncology may be a newer school of study, but much of the field’s research has offered important insight into the best way to maintain quality of life during cancer treatment. For years, oncologists had prescribed strict rest for patients undergoing cancer treatments, especially the physically taxing chemotherapy treatments that are common.

Today, there is a growing amount of research that shows continued exercise during cancer treatment can reduce symptoms and side effects.

In many ways, this emphasis on activity for cancer patients mirrors similar changes in how cardiovascular disease patients take orders after a heart attack. Today, many cardiologists advise low-intensity exercise, with some degree of monitoring, as soon as 48 hours after an episode.

Research and understanding about exercising after a cancer diagnosis seem to have a disconnect. The field of exercise oncology is nearly 40 years old, but much of its data has failed to see implementation by healthcare providers. The earliest studies came out of Ohio State University in the late 1980s. These studies illustrated how patients who stayed active during treatment experienced less severe symptoms as compared to those who rested and avoided exercise.

Later studies found that exercise also improved the mental health of those taking chemotherapy treatment, will less severe fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

Exercise Improves Cancer Prevention, Too

Of course, exercise can also reduce the risk of developing cancer, too. Some of the common types of cancer, including breast cancer and colorectal cancer, are the most affected, with regular exercise reducing the risk of these cancers by 40–50%.

How It Helps

Exercise improves immune system function, manages blood sugar levels, and can help with weight management during treatment. Weight can affect treatment outcomes, but there’s also evidence that better weight management can have profound mental health benefits, especially for women.

Regular exercise can also reduce inflammation, which is often associated with many of the physical symptoms of cancer treatment.

What Exercise is Best for Cancer Patients?

We aren’t talking about running marathons. Walking is the most accessible option for cancer patients. This helps avoid the risk of viral infection in public gyms while adding a moderate amount of cardiovascular work. Light resistant work has also been shown to improve the rate at which patients successfully finish treatment.

The benefits of physical activity as cancer prevention and as an important part of treatment deserve more attention. To inform more healthcare providers, Less Cancer supports programming to help spread the message of exercise and all proven methods of preventing and better-treating cancer.

Join our mission. Learn more about cancer prevention at LessCancer.org.