Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. One of the most common complaints among cancer patients is fatigue, which can be overwhelming and debilitating.

Fatigue is a subjective symptom and can differ from person to person, but it is generally described as a feeling of tiredness or lack of energy that does not go away with rest.

Traditionally, cancer-related fatigue has been managed through rest, medication or therapy. However, studies have shown that exercise can be an effective way to manage fatigue in cancer patients.

The exact cause of cancer-related fatigue is not fully understood, but it is thought to be a multifactorial problem.

It is believed to be a combination of the cancer itself, the treatments, and other factors such as anxiety, depression, and lack of sleep.

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can all cause fatigue by directly affecting the body’s cells and tissues.

These treatments can damage healthy cells as well as cancerous ones, leading to a range of side effects including fatigue.

Anxiety and depression are also common among cancer patients, and these conditions can contribute to fatigue.

Lack of sleep can also play a role in cancer-related fatigue, as cancer patients may have trouble sleeping due to pain, anxiety, or as a side-effect of medication.

How can exercise help?

Exercise can help to alleviate fatigue in cancer patients in multiple ways. Firstly, exercise has been shown to improve physical fitness, which in turn can lead to reduced levels of fatigue.

Exercise helps to improve aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and endurance, all of which can contribute to increased energy levels.

Exercise has also been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators.

Exercise can also help to improve body image and self-esteem, which can be particularly important for cancer patients who may be struggling with changes in appearance due to treatments.

Finally, exercise can help to improve sleep quality in cancer patients. Studies have shown that regular exercise can improve both the duration and quality of sleep in cancer patients, which in turn can lead to reduced levels of fatigue.

What types of exercise are best?

The type of exercise that is best for cancer patients may depend on the individual’s preferences and physical abilities.

However, studies have shown that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming can be effective in reducing fatigue in cancer patients. Resistance training, such as weight lifting and bodyweight exercises, can also be beneficial as it can help to improve muscle strength and endurance.

It is important for cancer patients to talk with their healthcare provider before starting any exercise program to ensure it is safe for them.

Depending on the individual’s health status, certain exercises may not be recommended or should be modified. For example, cancer patients who have undergone surgery or radiation therapy may need to avoid certain exercises that could put strain on the affected area.

How much exercise is enough?

The amount of exercise required to achieve benefits will vary depending on the individual’s current fitness level and health status.

However, studies have shown that cancer patients who engage in regular moderate-intensity exercise for at least 150 minutes per week can experience reductions in fatigue.

It is important for cancer patients to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of their exercise program.

Overexertion can lead to injury or increased fatigue, so it is important for patients to listen to their bodies and take breaks as needed.

Conclusion

Exercise can be a powerful tool in the management of fatigue in cancer patients. By improving physical fitness, reducing anxiety and depression, and improving sleep quality, exercise can help to reduce the debilitating effects of cancer-related fatigue.

However, it is important for cancer patients to talk with their healthcare provider before starting any exercise program and to gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise to avoid injury or exacerbation of fatigue.