Exercise Helps Counter Cancer's Side Effects, Says Study

Doctors are prescribing exercise as a recovery tool for cancer patients as it helps reduce fatigue, nausea and brain fog

- Shrenik Avlani

Exercise has a host of benefits, including a proven track record of preventing diseases, improving quality of life and longevity and better physical and mental health. Now adding to the list is the fact that exercise helps counter the side effects of cancer treatment by reducing brain fog and brain and nerve damage.

A new comprehensive review of pooled data analyses spanning from 2012 to 2024 published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in April found that exercise (aerobic and resistance training, tai chi and yoga) reduced several side effects associated with cancer and its treatment as compared to the usual recovery and rehab protocol that doesn't include exercise. The research team's objective was to examine the comprehensive health impacts of exercise on people with cancer.

"Exercise has emerged as a powerful tool to support recovery after medical interventions, particularly in patients undergoing cancer treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation," says Dr Nitin Menon, lead consultant for physical medicine and rehabilitation, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai. Citing another long-term study published two years ago, Menon said that consistent physical activity can significantly alleviate common side effects such as fatigue, neuropathy, reduced mobility, and emotional distress.

The study reinforces the new age approach to post-procedure recovery and rehabilitation that includes exercise as one of the cornerstones of the process.