The Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients in Palliative Care: A Holistic Approach to Well-being
In recent years, integrating exercise into the care plans of cancer patients in palliative care has emerged as an essential component of improving both physical and psychological health. Palliative care, by definition, focuses on providing comfort and managing symptoms in patients with advanced illnesses. However, growing research has highlighted the multifaceted benefits of physical activity, even in those with serious illness. This article explores how exercise can help cancer patients in palliative care, detailing the latest findings on its effectiveness, specific cancer types that benefit, and types of exercise that should be considered for these patients.
The Power of Exercise in Cancer Care
Exercise for cancer patients, particularly those in palliative care, can provide a unique blend of benefits that address not only physical functioning but also mental and emotional well-being. A 2024 study published in BMC Palliative Care found that a two-week exercise program was both feasible and safe for palliative care patients. Participants in the study reported improved physical capacity, reduced fatigue, and an overall enhancement in their quality of life, demonstrating that even short-term, low-intensity exercise can yield significant improvements.
Cancer patients often face debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and a diminished sense of well-being. According to research from The National Cancer Institute, engaging in physical activity has been shown to alleviate fatigue, one of the most common and persistent symptoms experienced by cancer patients. Regular physical activity helps by enhancing circulation, improving energy levels, and counteracting the fatigue that chemotherapy and other cancer treatments often bring.
Reducing Fatigue with Exercise
Fatigue is one of the most profound challenges cancer patients face during their treatment and beyond. It can severely limit daily functioning, making simple tasks feel like monumental efforts. Fortunately, exercise can help reduce cancer-related fatigue and improve the overall quality of life. According to a study from PubMed Central, aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, and swimming have been associated with a reduction in cancer-related fatigue. These exercises stimulate blood flow, increase stamina, and improve endurance, all of which help counteract the constant exhaustion felt by many cancer patients.
For example, a study on breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy found that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises led to improved physical functioning and reduced fatigue. The participants reported feeling more energetic, which allowed them to engage in everyday activities with less effort. This improvement in physical endurance also contributed to better psychological well-being, as the patients began to feel more empowered in the face of their illness.
Psychological and Emotional Well-being
Exercise doesn’t only benefit physical health—it has significant positive effects on mental health as well. In cancer patients, anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness are common, especially as they face the realities of advanced disease. Research has shown that physical activity can alleviate these psychological symptoms, boosting mood and promoting a sense of control over one's health.
A study published by the American Cancer Society revealed that regular exercise during cancer treatment led to improved mood and reduced anxiety levels. In patients who engaged in regular physical activity, there was a notable decrease in depressive symptoms, with many feeling less stressed and more optimistic about their prognosis. This improvement in mental health is crucial in palliative care, where enhancing quality of life is a primary goal. Incorporating exercise into care plans can be a powerful tool for improving overall well-being in these patients.
Which Cancers Benefit from Exercise?
While exercise can benefit all cancer patients, certain types of cancers show particularly significant improvements with physical activity. Let’s take a look at the evidence for specific cancers:
Breast Cancer: One of the most extensively studied cancers in the context of exercise, breast cancer patients who engage in regular physical activity report significant benefits. Studies have shown that both aerobic and resistance exercises can reduce fatigue, improve physical strength, and lower the risk of recurrence. A recent article from The Daily Telegraph emphasized that breast cancer patients who continue exercise during and after treatment experience reduced symptoms of fatigue and a higher quality of life. In fact, engaging in exercise has been associated with a lower incidence of breast cancer recurrence and even improved survival rates.
Lymphoma: Patients with lymphoma have also benefited from exercise. A study published in The Journal of Clinical Oncology demonstrated that lymphoma patients who participated in aerobic exercise programs had improved physical function, including better strength and endurance. These benefits persisted throughout treatment, regardless of the patients’ stage in their cancer journey. This shows that physical activity can be beneficial even during chemotherapy or other treatment regimens.
Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer patients have been shown to benefit from both aerobic and strength training exercises. According to Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, engaging in physical activity after colorectal cancer treatment significantly improves physical functioning and lowers the risk of recurrence. Even patients who are in palliative care can experience less pain, improved bowel function, and a higher energy level with appropriate exercise regimens. Regular movement is a critical component in reducing complications like constipation, which is common in patients undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer.
Effective Types of Exercise for Palliative Care Patients
Understanding the specific types of exercises that can benefit cancer patients is essential to crafting a tailored exercise plan. Exercise should be individualized to accommodate the patient’s condition, treatment stage, and physical limitations. Here are some effective types of exercise:
1. Aerobic Exercises: Aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming, cycling, and even light jogging are excellent for improving cardiovascular health, reducing fatigue, and improving mood. These activities can be adjusted based on the patient’s tolerance and can be performed at a low intensity to avoid overexertion. For palliative care patients, walking is one of the most accessible and beneficial forms of aerobic exercise. Studies have shown that patients who walk regularly experience reduced fatigue and improved overall well-being.
2. Resistance Training: Strength-building exercises, such as lifting light weights or using resistance bands, are effective in maintaining muscle mass and strength. Resistance training is particularly important for cancer patients who may be at risk for muscle wasting (cachexia) due to their illness or treatments. It helps combat weakness and fatigue and is also associated with improvements in daily functioning. Resistance exercises can be safely adapted for palliative care patients, focusing on light to moderate resistance with an emphasis on proper technique.
3. Balance and Flexibility Exercises: Exercises such as yoga, tai chi, and stretching can significantly improve balance, flexibility, and coordination. These exercises are particularly useful for patients who experience neuropathy or other treatment-related side effects. A study published in The Journal of Supportive Oncology found that yoga improved both mental and physical well-being in cancer patients, helping them manage stress while improving mobility and flexibility.
Feasibility and Safety of Exercise in Palliative Care
One of the primary concerns when recommending exercise for palliative care patients is the fear that exercise may exacerbate symptoms or cause harm. However, research consistently shows that exercise is both safe and beneficial for cancer patients, even in advanced stages of illness. Tailored exercise programs, designed with the patient’s individual needs in mind, can help avoid injury and ensure that the activities are performed safely.
A 2024 study in BMC Palliative Care demonstrated that a two-week exercise program was safe for palliative care patients and improved their physical capacity without significant adverse effects. The key to ensuring safety is monitoring the intensity and duration of exercise, adjusting it based on the patient’s response, and providing proper supervision when necessary.
Conclusion
Incorporating exercise into the care plans of cancer patients, especially those in palliative care, provides invaluable benefits that extend beyond physical improvements. It can reduce fatigue, improve psychological well-being, enhance physical function, and even reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Tailoring exercise programs to individual capabilities and preferences ensures that cancer patients receive the maximum benefit in a safe and supportive environment. As research continues to evolve, it is clear that exercise should be considered a vital part of palliative care for cancer patients, improving both their quality of life and their overall well-being.
Dedicated to two good friends living life with cancer.
References:
1. Misiąg W, Piszczyk A, Szymańska-Chabowska A, Chabowski M. Physical activity and cancer care—a review. Cancers (Basel). 2022;14(17):4154. doi:10.3390/cancers14174154
2. Fiuza-Luces C, Valenzuela PL, Santos-Lozano A, Ruiz-Casado A, Lucia A. Exercise and quality of life in cancer. J Sport Health Sci. 2023;12(4):489-490. doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2023.01.001
3. Schmitz KH, Campbell AM, Stuiver MM, et al. Exercise is medicine in oncology: engaging clinicians to help patients move through cancer. CA Cancer J Clin. 2019;69(6):468-484. doi:10.3322/caac.21579
4. MacVicar MG, Winningham ML, Nickel JL. Effects of aerobic interval training on cancer patients’ functional capacity. Nurs Res. 1989;38(6):348-351.
5. Campbell KL, Winters-Stone KM, Wiskemann J, et al. Exercise guidelines for cancer survivors: consensus statement from international multidisciplinary roundtable. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2019;51(11):2375-2390. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000002116
