Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases, and chemotherapy is one of the top medical solutions for cancer treatment. However, chemotherapy has many side effects, including fatigue, weakness, and decreased physical activity.

At the same time, physical exercise has proven beneficial for overall health, including reducing the risk of cancer development and recurrence. Recent studies suggest that exercise can also help boost the effectiveness of chemo treatment.

Exercise and chemotherapy

It is common for cancer patients to experience fatigue and reduced physical activity while undergoing chemo treatment. These can lead to muscle wasting, decreased immunity, and reduced quality of life.

However, emerging research suggests that exercise can help counteract these side effects and potentially improve the efficacy of chemotherapy.

How exercise enhances chemo effectiveness

There are multiple mechanisms through which exercise can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy, including:.

Improving blood flow and oxygenation to tumor sites – Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen levels in the body, which can help boost the delivery of chemotherapy drugs to tumor sites.
Boosting the immune system – Exercise has been found to increase the activity of immune cells, which can help fight cancer cells alongside chemo drugs.
Reducing drug resistance – Studies have found that exercise can reduce the likelihood of cancer cells developing resistance to chemotherapy drugs.
Improving overall health – Exercise has many general health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing stress, which can also improve chemo effectiveness and overall quality of life.

Key studies and findings

Several studies have examined the effects of exercise on chemo treatment, with promising results.

Study 1: University of Copenhagen, Denmark

A 2015 study from the University of Copenhagen examined the effects of exercise on breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The study found that patients who engaged in moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes per week had improved overall survival rates and a reduced risk of treatment failure compared to those who did not exercise.

Study 2: University of Illinois, United States

A 2018 study from the University of Illinois found that regular exercise can help offset the negative side effects of chemotherapy and improve quality of life for cancer patients.

The study also found that exercise can help reduce chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, a common nerve-related side effect of chemo treatment.

Study 3: University of Sydney, Australia

A 2019 study from the University of Sydney found that higher levels of physical activity were associated with reduced cancer recurrence rates and improved overall survival in patients with stage III colon cancer.

The study also found that exercise can help reduce the likelihood of developing secondary cancers.

How to incorporate exercise into cancer treatment

For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, it is essential to first consult with your healthcare team before starting any exercise program. They can help advise on what level of exercise is safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

That being said, there are some general guidelines and tips for cancer patients looking to incorporate exercise into their chemo treatment:.

Start slow – Begin with low-intensity exercises such as walking, stretching, or yoga. Gradually increase intensity as tolerated.
Choose enjoyable activities – Find exercise activities that you enjoy and that fit your lifestyle. This can help make exercise more sustainable in the long run.
Exercise regularly – Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, or 150 minutes per week.
Stay hydrated – It is essential to stay hydrated during exercise, especially while undergoing chemo treatment.
Listen to your body – Pay attention to how your body responds to exercise, and adjust your routine as necessary.

Conclusion

Exercise has many proven benefits for overall health, including reducing the risk of cancer and improving quality of life. Recent research has also suggested that exercise can help enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment.

Cancer patients undergoing chemo treatment should talk to their healthcare team before starting an exercise program, but incorporating regular exercise can have significant benefits for both physical and mental health.