Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation so often result in low energy, depression, and weight loss. No matter how severe the side effects, patients must continue with treatment. Many can take vitamins and other supplements for support but often fatigue and weight loss cannot be overcome. New results from a review of all published clinical trials found that exercise can actually benefit cancer patients, and help overcome fatigue and weight loss to a greater degree than any other supportive therapy.
The results were published in the July issue of Supportive Care in Cancer and covered more than 30 previous studies. The studies focused on a variety of cancer diagnosis and treatments with a majority focused on breast cancer. Different types of exercise regimens were also included in the review of published data, including comparing and contrasting at home exercise to supervised or class style exercise.
Exercise was found to be a positive addition to cancer treatment in so many ways. In patients receiving cancer treatment, exercise was able to do what it does for everyone. Lean muscle mass was increased in patients who regularly exercised. Patients also noted greater physical strength and ability to do activities like climb stairs and carry groceries when they exercised regularly. Those patients who exercised were also more able to maintain a stable weight during treatment compared to patients who did not exercise.
Other common side effects of cancer treatment were also decreased in those who exercised. Patients noted improvment in symptoms of nausea and pain from exercise. Also overall energy, mood, and quality of life were increased when comparing exercisers to non-exercisers.
The authors recommend that exercise be an addition to any supportive plan for cancer patients during and after treatment. The benefits were amazing and across the board with no side effects noted. There did not seem to be any hard information about which types of exercise were most beneficial, and suggestions should be tailored to the individual patient.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on July 31, 2006 12:44 PM
