New Study Finds Physical Activity May Mitigate Some Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

(NICE NEWS) — There’s no doubt exercise is good for your heart, bones, balance, and brain. And a new study found that physical activity can also mitigate some side effects of cancer treatment, such as brain fog and heart and nerve damage.
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While prior research has shown that exercise can be generally helpful during cancer treatment, this study went a step further and systematically analyzed data from randomized controlled trial results published between 2012 and 2024. The takeaway: Exercise (e.g., tai chi, yoga, high-intensity and interval training) not only reduced adverse effects often associated with cancer and its treatment, but also improved psychological well-being, body composition, and overall quality of life.
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“In conclusion, this study reinforces the efficacy of incorporating exercise into cancer treatment protocols,” the researchers wrote. Of course, every cancer patient has their own journey and circumstances, so there’s no one-size-fits-all workout plan.
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“It’s important to take things at your own pace and do activities that are right for you,” Celene Doherty, a specialist cancer information nurse at Cancer Research U.K., who was not involved with the study, told The Guardian. She added that patients interested in learning more should speak to their doctors and care team.