Exercise alleviates side effects of cancer treatment

It has been determined that physical activity reduces side effects such as heart and nerve damage that occur during cancer treatment.

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A study conducted by Shengjing Hospital, affiliated with China Medical University, has revealed the positive effects of exercise on patients undergoing cancer treatment. 485 findings obtained from 80 scientific articles published between 2012 and 2024 were analyzed. The research showed that activities such as aerobic and resistance training, high-intensity interval training, tai chi, and yoga significantly alleviate treatment-related side effects.

It was stated that exercise offers support to patients not only physically but also psychologically. It was noted that it provides an increase in sleep quality, improvement in general body functions, an increase in social interaction, and a significant rise in quality of life. Furthermore, strong evidence was found that regular exercise before surgery reduces the risk of post-operative complications, pain levels, length of hospital stay, and mortality rates.

The researchers stated, 'This study once again demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating exercise into cancer treatment protocols. Findings with moderate to high reliability show that exercise reduces negative effects associated with treatment, improves body composition and biological markers, and enhances quality of life.'