Doctors should prescribe physical exercise or sport to cancer patients to help counteract the side effects of treatments, says Wednesday (30.04.2025) a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine magazine.
Physical activity during cancer treatment can also improve mental well -being and favor sleep, and those who exercise claim a better quality of life, experts affirm.
The positive effects of physical exercise
A large group of Chinese researchers gathered data from 80 systematic reviews that examined the relationship between exercise and different types of cancer.
The exercise, compared to habitual medical care or the absence of exercise, significantly reduced certain side effects related to cancer treatment, heart and nervous damage and cerebral fog, according to the general review.
Improves the quality of life of patients
Various types of exercise during cancer treatment can help control obesity, reduce body fat and improve lean body mass.
And physical activity also regulates key health indicators in the body, such as insulin and inflammation markers.
“Our findings suggest that participating in the exercise greatly improves sleep quality, reduces insomnia and relieves anxiety and depression in people with cancer, thus improving their quality of life in general,” the authors wrote.
The study also suggests that yoga and general exercise could be included to promote a better dream and taichí for anxiety.
The social aspect also improves
Meanwhile, researchers discovered that exercise also improves the “physiological and social function” of people with cancer.
“Since cancer usually reduces social interactions, our research showed that regular exercise improves social functionality, increases the probability of returning to work and, above all, yoga significantly improves general social welfare,” specialists said.
More studies to find out which exercise is more effective
The researchers asked that more studies be carried out to help “refine” what types of exercise could be beneficial for different types of cancer.
“This general review suggests that the exercise improves a series of health results in people with cancer,” says the researchers.
Do not force them not to overwhelm them
Celene Doherty, a nurse specialized in information on cancer Research UK, said the study: “This research provides more evidence that exercise can help reduce the side effects of cancer treatment and improve long -term health.”
“However, cancer patients go through many things when the disease is diagnosed, and focus on changes in lifestyle, such as being more active, may seem overwhelming,” he explained, adding that it was important to take things at your own pace and do activities that are appropriate for you.
JU (dpa, British Journal of Sports Medicine)
