Exercise in cancer and its benefits in cancer survivors

Abstract

This review focuses on the relationship between the cancer and physical activity along the continuum of cancer.  Detecting a life-threatening disease like cancer and undergoing therapy can cause undesirable distress and interfere with standard of living. There is a wide array of epidemiological evidence to conclude that individuals involved in higher rates of physical activity are less likely to experience a number of cancers compared to those involved in lower levels of physical activity. Exercise enables survivors of cancer deal with and recovers from treatment; exercise can improve long-term cancer survivors' health and increase survival.  Physical activity can be effective across the cancer spectrum.  During cancer treatment the effects of physical activity are close to those felt after treatment. The results of this review support the belief that exercise is a relevant adjunct therapy in cancer treatment.