New Research Reveals How Exercise May Help Fight Cancer and Reduce Treatment Side Effects

New research shows that regular exercise may help cancer patients manage treatment side effects, improve brain health, reduce fatigue and potentially lower the risk of cancer recurrence.

Exercise is increasingly being recognised as an important part of cancer care. New research suggests that staying physically active may do more than improve general fitness. Regular movement could help people undergoing cancer treatment manage side effects, support mental and cognitive health, improve quality of life and, in some cases, reduce the likelihood of cancer returning.

The evidence does not suggest that exercise is a replacement for cancer treatment. Instead, researchers and cancer specialists increasingly view physical activity as a useful addition to conventional care.

One of the most encouraging findings is that people do not necessarily need intense workouts to benefit. Walking, gentle strength training, yoga and other moderate activities can all contribute to better physical and emotional wellbeing.

How exercise may help people with cancer

Cancer treatment can place considerable stress on the body. Chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments can cause fatigue, weakness, anxiety, depression and changes in cognitive function.

Exercise may help counter some of these effects by improving cardiovascular fitness, maintaining muscle strength and supporting overall physical function.

Research highlighted by cancer specialists has found that physical activity during treatment can reduce fatigue while also improving mood and quality of life. Exercise may also help people maintain greater independence during and after treatment.

According to experts at MD Anderson Cancer Center, regular physical activity can have positive effects on fatigue, anxiety, depression and physical functioning among people receiving cancer treatment.

The benefits are not limited to people who are already physically fit. Even low-impact activities can provide meaningful advantages when adapted to an individual's abilities and treatment schedule.

Around 150 minutes of activity may support brain health

One particularly interesting area of research involves the effects of chemotherapy on the brain.

Some cancer patients experience cognitive problems during or after treatment. These can include difficulty concentrating, memory problems and a feeling commonly referred to as "chemo brain."

Research involving women with breast cancer has suggested that being physically active before chemotherapy may help protect against some of these cognitive difficulties. Participants who completed up to 150 minutes of exercise per week showed less treatment-related cognitive impairment.

Scientists believe several mechanisms could be involved. Exercise increases blood circulation, can influence inflammation and may promote changes in the brain associated with learning and memory.

This does not mean that exercise can completely prevent chemotherapy-related cognitive problems. However, the findings add to growing evidence that physical activity may have benefits extending beyond muscles and cardiovascular health.

Exercise and cancer recurrence

Perhaps one of the most significant developments in cancer research concerns whether exercise could influence the chances of cancer returning.

A major clinical trial involving people treated for colon cancer found that participants assigned to a structured, long-term exercise programme experienced better disease-related outcomes than those receiving general health advice.

The research has increased interest in exercise as a potential component of cancer survivorship care.

Scientists are still working to understand precisely why physical activity may influence cancer outcomes. One possible explanation is that exercise affects the immune system.

Physical activity can influence immune cells and other biological processes that may play a role in identifying and controlling abnormal cells. Exercise may also affect inflammation, insulin levels and other metabolic factors that have been associated with cancer development and progression.

More research is needed before scientists can determine exactly how these mechanisms interact. Nevertheless, the findings provide another reason for cancer patients and survivors to discuss physical activity with their healthcare teams.

Walking can make a difference

For someone undergoing cancer treatment, the idea of exercising for hours in a gym may feel unrealistic. Fortunately, the available evidence suggests that exercise does not have to be extreme to be useful.

Walking is one of the simplest ways to become more active.

Research involving more than 1,700 people with colorectal cancer found that walking was associated with improvements in cancer-related fatigue and quality of life.

A short walk can be easier to incorporate into daily life than a demanding workout. Patients may choose to walk around their neighbourhood, use a treadmill or simply take several shorter walks throughout the day.

The appropriate amount and intensity will depend on factors such as cancer type, treatment, fitness level, age and existing health conditions.

Yoga and gentle exercise may support emotional wellbeing

Physical activity can also benefit emotional health.

Yoga and other gentle forms of movement may help people manage stress, improve sleep and support mood. These effects can be particularly valuable during cancer treatment, when uncertainty and changes to daily life can contribute to anxiety and emotional distress.

Gentle stretching, breathing exercises and low-intensity movement may also provide an accessible option for people who cannot tolerate more demanding forms of exercise.

The goal is not necessarily to achieve athletic performance. For many cancer patients, simply maintaining regular movement can be a meaningful achievement.

Exercise may also help after breast cancer treatment

For people treated for breast cancer, physical activity may offer additional benefits.

Research and clinical guidance suggest that exercise can be useful during recovery and may help reduce the risk of certain treatment-related complications. This includes concerns surrounding lymphoedema, a condition involving swelling that can develop after cancer treatment.

Strength training, when appropriately prescribed, may also help patients rebuild muscle and regain confidence in using their bodies after treatment.

However, anyone recovering from cancer should receive individual guidance before starting a new exercise programme, particularly following surgery or when complications are present.

How much exercise should cancer patients do?

Many experts recommend working towards approximately 30 minutes of physical activity on most days, combining aerobic activity with resistance exercises when appropriate.

That does not mean every cancer patient should immediately begin exercising for 30 minutes a day.

For someone experiencing severe fatigue or treatment side effects, starting with five or ten minutes of gentle walking may be more realistic. Activity can then gradually increase as tolerated.

Rest is also an important part of recovery. Exercise should be adjusted according to symptoms, treatment schedules and medical advice.

A growing role for exercise in cancer care

The research surrounding exercise and cancer is continuing to develop. While scientists are still investigating the biological mechanisms involved, the overall evidence increasingly points towards physical activity as an important part of supportive cancer care.

Exercise may help reduce fatigue, improve mood, protect aspects of cognitive function, maintain physical strength and enhance quality of life. Some research also suggests that structured exercise could play a role in reducing cancer recurrence and improving survival in certain groups.

The key message is that exercise does not need to be complicated. Walking, yoga, light resistance training and other moderate activities may all contribute to better health.

For people living with cancer, the safest approach is to discuss exercise with an oncologist, physiotherapist or other qualified healthcare professional. A personalised programme can take account of the person's treatment, symptoms and current fitness level.

As research continues, exercise is increasingly being seen not simply as a lifestyle choice, but as a potentially valuable part of comprehensive cancer care.

Sources

• Schmid et al., research on exercise and outcomes following colon cancer treatment, published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, guidance and research on exercise during cancer treatment.
• Mayo Clinic, information on physical activity and breast cancer recovery.
• American Society of Clinical Oncology, research and guidance concerning physical activity and cancer-related fatigue.
• University of Rochester Medical Center, information on exercise, yoga and cancer care.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat or prevent cancer or any other medical condition. People living with cancer should speak with their oncologist or another qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing an exercise programme. The appropriate type, intensity and duration of exercise can vary considerably depending on the individual's cancer, treatment, symptoms, fitness level and overall health.