Five reasons why physical activity is important for cancer patientsFitness and health08:28 | 07 February 2023

Representatives of the World Health Organization advise people with chronic diseases, including cancer, to do sports. Here are five reasons why physical activity is beneficial for cancer patients.

1. Supports mental health. Studies show that many cancer patients suffer from increased anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, most scientific articles also state that physical activity increases people’s self-esteem, improves their mood, and helps them cope with mental problems. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking) and muscle strengthening two to three times a week significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with various types of cancer.

2. reduces fatigue. This is possible with regular physical activity, as scientific studies show. For example, moderate to high-intensity exercise that combines aerobic exercise two to three times a week with muscle-strengthening exercises reduces fatigue in people with prostate and breast cancer.

3. Helps treat cancer. It is now known that breast cancer patients who perform muscle-strengthening exercises or a combination of strength and aerobic exercise during the treatment period are less likely to need a reduction in chemotherapy dose.

4. May prevent hospitalization. Scientists have found that physical activity can reduce the risk of hospitalization in patients with breast cancer. In the study, participants who exercised for 16 weeks had a 3% lower rate of hospitalization than those who did not exercise.

5. Reduces recurrence risk and improves survival. A large review of 18 studies of physical activity in cancer patients found that higher levels of physical activity were associated with reduced cancer recurrence and a 40-50% increase in survival.

News cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.