Exercise can counter the detrimental effects of cancer and its treatment, according to an umbrella review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Led by Shengjing hospital of China Medical University, Impact of exercise on health outcomes in people with cancer: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials is the most extensive research of its kind. It was undertaken to investigate the associations between exercise and overall health outcomes in patients with cancer, with the aim of providing robust evidence to support the clinical application of exercise in cancer care. Eighty studies with 485 associations were reviewed, published between 2012 and 2024.

Researchers concluded that exercise significantly mitigates adverse events associated with cancer and its treatment, for example brain fog, chemotherapy-induced nerve damage and dyspnea (a sensation of running out of air).

Exercise also modulates body composition and biomarkers, including insulin, as well as enhancing sleep quality, psychological wellbeing, physiological functioning, social interaction and improving quality of life.

Mind-body exercises, such as Tai Chi, Qigong and yoga were recommended for their ability to integrate mental focus, physical movement, breath control and stress reduction. Yoga improved the short-term, health-related quality of life for people with breast cancer, lung cancer and older people with colorectal cancer.

There was moderate certainty evidence that post-diagnosis and post-radiotherapy exercise, combined with yoga or spiritual growth was linked to decreased depression among women with breast cancer.

High certainty evidence from one analysis demonstrated that exercise enhanced the psychological wellbeing of elderly people with colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

There was high to moderate certainty evidence that pre-operative exercise reduced the risk of post-operative complications, pain, length of hospital stay and risk of death.

Read more about Impact of exercise on health outcomes in people with cancer: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials here.

FOOTNOTE

TV and lifestyle doctor, university lecturer and researcher, Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, gives the following advice on working with people to get back to exercise after cancer treatment.

“The healthcare team should give approval before an exercise routine begins. Post-surgery it’s vital to allow the wound to heal, typically six to eight weeks before beginning light activity. It’s recommended to start with gentle activities like stretching and walking after the wound has sufficiently healed.

“For chemotherapy and radiotherapy, side effects such as fatigue, muscle weakness and immune suppression may persist for months so light activities like walking or seated exercises can be done during treatment, but avoid high-intensity activities until recovery progresses.

“Start with low-impact exercises such as walking, light stretching, or yoga. Begin with 10 to 15 minutes daily, progressively increasing the duration and intensity as tolerated. Gentle strength exercises like resistance bands or bodyweight training can be slowly introduced.

“After chemotherapy or radiotherapy, it’s important to scale activities based on energy levels, focusing on balance and endurance before strength.

“Factors like lymphedema risk, bone density loss, or heart health may affect what types of exercise are safe. Fitness professionals should encourage their clients to pace themselves, listen to their body, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. It’s also essential to set realistic goals and celebrate progress.”