Exercise Significantly Reduces Cancer Treatment Side Effects Major Review Finds

A major umbrella review has confirmed that exercise and cancer care go hand in hand. Drawing on data from 80 articles and 485 associations, researchers found that structured physical activity significantly reduces the adverse effects of cancer treatments and improves overall quality of life for patients.

The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, evaluated high-quality meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. The evidence strongly supports the integration of exercise into cancer treatment protocols, particularly when compared to usual care or no exercise at all.

Exercise Reduces Key Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

The review highlights that exercise helps counteract several serious side effects commonly experienced during cancer treatment. One of the most notable benefits is the reduction in cardiotoxicity—heart damage often caused by chemotherapy—which was significantly less in patients who engaged in physical activity.

Exercise also proved effective in managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a condition that leads to nerve damage and affects balance and coordination. Cognitive impairment, often described as “brain fog,” improved in patients who exercised regularly, with many reporting better mental clarity and reduced fatigue. Additionally, dyspnoea, or shortness of breath, frequently seen in lung and advanced-stage cancers, was also alleviated through consistent physical activity.

Beyond physical health, exercise was found to positively impact several quality-of-life indicators. These included improved sleep quality, reduced stress and anxiety, and enhanced social interaction. This is particularly relevant as many cancer patients struggle with isolation and emotional fatigue during treatment.

Importantly, the review showed moderate- to high-certainty evidence that preoperative exercise reduced post-surgery complications, length of hospital stay, and even mortality.

In addition to subjective outcomes, researchers noted changes in biological markers. Levels of insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and C-reactive protein (CRP)—all key indicators of inflammation and metabolic health—were positively influenced by exercise. Body composition also improved, with patients experiencing healthier muscle-to-fat ratios.

Various Forms of Exercise Prove Effective

The review included a range of physical activities: aerobic training, resistance exercise, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), tai chi, and yoga. All were associated with measurable benefits. This suggests patients can choose the type of exercise that best suits their health status and personal preferences.

Mind-body practices like yoga and tai chi not only improved physical symptoms but also supported emotional and mental health. This flexibility in approach makes it easier for clinicians to recommend activity plans tailored to individual patients.

Given the moderate- to high-certainty of the findings, the study’s authors advocate for exercise to become a standard component of cancer treatment. Currently, many cancer patients receive limited or no guidance on physical activity during their care journey.

Implications for Cancer Care Protocols

While the study underscores the value of exercise, experts also emphasize the need for personalized programs. As Celene Doherty from Cancer Research UK noted, patients should engage in exercise at their own pace and consult with their care teams for appropriate guidance.

This umbrella review provides strong, evidence-based support for including structured exercise in cancer care. From reducing cardiotoxicity and nerve damage to enhancing sleep and emotional well-being, the health benefits are wide-ranging.

The findings encourage oncologists to consider integrating physical activity into standard treatment plans, offering patients not just extended survival but improved day-to-day quality of life.

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