A surge of cutting-edge research is underscoring the transformative effects of exercise in both fighting cancer and supporting recovery, with new evidence suggesting that physical activity can meaningfully reduce cancer risk, improve the efficacy of treatments, and elevate survivors’ quality of life. These findings are especially relevant for Thais navigating cancer—whether as patients, caregivers, or those seeking to prevent the disease—prompting a shift in both medical advice and public health approaches in the Kingdom.
For many years, Thai families have believed in the power of staying active for “สุขภาพดี”—good health—but cancer was often seen as an arena where rest was paramount and exertion was discouraged. Recent global and local research shatters this misconception. A recent article from City of Hope Orange County, featuring Dr. Jessica Cheng, a specialist in cancer rehabilitation medicine, highlights how exercise helps cancer survivors manage side effects, regulate hormones, lower inflammation, and boost immunity—contributing to better overall cancer outcomes and survivorship (City of Hope, 2025).
The significance of these findings for Thai readers lies in the dual burden of cancer and chronic diseases—like obesity or diabetes—that are rising here in Thailand as lifestyles become more sedentary and processed foods more common. Cancer has become one of the country’s top killers; according to the Ministry of Public Health, over 90,000 Thais die from cancer yearly, with breast, liver, and colorectal cancers most prevalent. This places Thailand perfectly in line with worldwide cancer trends (National Cancer Institute Thailand, 2023). Therefore, understanding how something as accessible as exercise can help prevent cancer or improve the lives of those undergoing treatment is of great public health importance.
Recent large-scale studies led by the American Cancer Society, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2024, have shown that adults who engage in at least 300 minutes of moderate or 150 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week—a level twice the standard recommendation—reduced their future risk for any cancer by up to 0.8%, and for obesity-related cancers, such as colon and endometrial cancer, by 0.8% as well (ACS, 2024). While small percent differences may seem modest, this is a population-wide effect, which means that even incremental improvements in lifestyle could potentially translate into thousands of fewer cancer cases each year (and many more lives spared) at the national level. As Dr. Valeria Elahy, lead author of the ACS study, notes, “Adherence to physical activity recommendations for cancer prevention could significantly lower the risk of developing cancers, including those related to obesity.”
But it’s not just about prevention—exercise also helps people facing a new cancer diagnosis, living with cancer, or recovering after treatment. A comprehensive review published this year in Frontiers in Immunology (“Impact of exercise on cancer: mechanistic perspectives and new insights”) confirms that exercise, including both aerobic (walking, cycling) and resistance (weight-lifting, band exercises) activities, lowers the incidence and recurrence risk of diverse cancers—a finding supported by decades of epidemiological studies (Frontiers in Immunology, 2024). For example, regular exercisers have up to a 24% lower risk of colon cancer; benefits for breast and prostate cancers are similarly robust (ACSM, 2025).
The mechanisms by which exercise confers these powerful anti-cancer benefits are multifaceted and fascinating. Firstly, physical activity helps regulate body weight—a key factor in cancer risk. Obesity raises levels of certain hormones, like estrogen and insulin, and chronic inflammation in the body, all of which can contribute to cancer development. Exercise lowers systemic inflammation, optimizes metabolism, and improves immune system function. According to Dr. Cheng, “Exercise helps regulate hormone production, eases chronic inflammation and supports the immune system—all of which help your body fight cancer.”
Secondly, for those already diagnosed, exercise is increasingly integrated as a supportive therapy during cancer treatment. High-quality studies now show that a tailored exercise plan can boost the effectiveness of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and even new immunotherapies, by improving blood flow to tumors, enhancing treatment efficacy, and reducing dangerous side effects like fatigue, cachexia (dangerous weight and muscle loss), and cognitive decline (“chemo brain”). For example, patients who exercise before and after chemotherapy report better physical function, less treatment-related fatigue, and an overall higher quality of life (Frontiers in Immunology, 2024). A landmark meta-analysis of over 11,000 people across 113 studies found that exercise is more effective than most drugs at reducing cancer-related fatigue.
Thirdly, exercise directly impacts the “tumor microenvironment”—the complex community of cells and blood vessels around a tumor that helps it grow or shrink. Movement helps “normalize” blood vessels supplying the tumor, which not only improves the body’s immune response but also makes cancer treatments more effective. Physical activity triggers a cascade of helpful signals: the release of “myokines” (proteins from muscle), modulates key immune cells like natural killer and T-cells, and regulates metabolic factors involved in tumor growth (Frontiers in Immunology, 2024).
Of course, it’s important to recognize that exercising with cancer has its challenges. Patients often struggle with physical exhaustion, pain, or anxiety that make even a short walk daunting. Dr. Cheng emphasizes empathy and a step-by-step approach: “Even a small increase in physical activity is beneficial. If you don’t exercise regularly, I recommend starting slowly and gradually increasing the amount and intensity.” Suggestions include taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking during commercial breaks, or parking farther away at the supermarket—a pragmatic, “do what you can” approach suitable for Thai lifestyles. She stresses, “Always check with your medical team before starting a new exercise program, especially if you are undergoing treatment.”
This expert guidance aligns with international recommendations that now urge all adults to aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity. For Thai survivors and patients—especially those living in urban areas like Bangkok, where air pollution and heat can make outdoor exercise tricky—options might include indoor walking, swimming, or joining local fitness groups, which can double as a support community in the journey toward recovery.
Culturally, Thailand has rich traditions that can be harnessed for cancer-fighting movement. Activities like รำไทย (traditional Thai dance), tai chi, or community aerobics in parks—not to mention daily chores or gardening—are all forms of beneficial movement. These activities can fit seamlessly into daily routines and are accessible regardless of age or physical ability. Thai elders often meet for morning stretching in public parks or temple courtyards, “ยืดเส้นยืดสาย”—stretching joints and tendons—echoing the global advice: Any move is better than none.
Historically, Thai healthcare often advised rest, especially to recovering elders, out of caution. This advice is changing. Hospitals and cancer centers in Thailand are slowly adding exercise therapy and rehabilitation programs. Chulalongkorn and Mahidol Universities are pioneering cancer rehabilitation services, introducing “prehabilitation” (getting moving before surgery/treatment) and tailored “movement prescriptions” after treatment (Mahidol University, 2023).
Looking to the future, exercise will increasingly be prescribed as “ยาออกกำลังกาย”—exercise as medicine. The newly-formed International Society of Exercise Oncology underscores this transition globally (ACSM, 2025). Thailand, with a growing reputation as a leader in wellness tourism, has immense potential to integrate movement into both prevention and survivorship care for cancer patients.
To maximize these benefits, experts recommend that the Ministry of Public Health, insurers, and hospital administrators prioritize exercise programs in cancer care nationwide, make referrals to physical therapy more routine, and expand health insurance to cover exercise-based rehabilitation. For families, supporting loved ones in safe movement, whether through gentle walks, light chores, or shared yoga at home, will be key.
For Thais looking to take action:
- If you or a loved one has a cancer diagnosis, consult your doctor or an exercise specialist to create a personalized movement plan.
- Start “where you are”—even small steps matter. Aim for an extra 10-15 minutes per day building up to 150 minutes per week, or whatever is safe for your condition.
- Seek out group activities or community resources for extra motivation—movement can be both medicine and “กำลังใจ” (mental strength).
- For policymakers and hospital leaders: Invest in training exercise professionals and integrating rehabilitation into cancer care for all Thais, not just those in affluent urban centers.
As more research emerges, Thais can be encouraged by the compelling message: movement not only symbolizes life but scientifically supports survival and healing. ออกกำลังกาย—exercise—is a profound act of self-care and resistance against one of modern Thailand’s most pressing health threats.
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