A sweeping new global review has concluded that exercise can dramatically reduce some of the most debilitating side effects experienced by cancer patients, including heart and nerve damage, cognitive impairment, and psychological distress. Published on April 29, 2025, in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, this analysis—led by Shengjing hospital of China Medical University—is being hailed as the most exhaustive review of its kind to date and offers compelling evidence to routinely incorporate physical activity into cancer care protocols (The Guardian).
Cancer and its treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, are notorious for their punishing toll on the body and mind. For Thai readers, this issue strikes close to home—cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in Thailand, and the physical and psychological burdens imposed by treatment affect not only patients but also families and the healthcare system. Until now, solid guidance for non-pharmaceutical support such as exercise had been fragmented, leaving cancer teams and patients without clear standards for integrating physical activity in recovery plans.
The new review analyzed data from 80 high- to moderate-quality articles encompassing 485 associations drawn from randomized controlled trials published between 2012 and 2024. The study systematically examined a diverse range of exercise regimens, including aerobic activities, resistance training, high-intensity interval training, tai chi, and yoga. Its findings were robust: patients who engaged in structured physical activity reported significantly fewer side effects related to cancer treatments compared with those who received usual care or did not exercise.
Specifically, the review found that exercise was linked to reduced incidents of heart and peripheral nerve damage, two common and serious consequences of chemotherapy. The review also showed improvement in “brain fog” — cognitive difficulties affecting memory and thinking — and lessened symptoms like shortness of breath. Furthermore, physical activity contributed to positive changes in core health markers like insulin, insulin-like growth factor, and C-reactive protein levels, all of which play crucial roles in the body’s metabolic and inflammatory responses.
Beyond physiological benefits, the research underscored improvements in sleep quality, psychological wellbeing, social interaction, and overall quality of life. The evidence was particularly compelling for preoperative exercise, which was shown to lower the risk of postoperative complications, lessen pain, shorten hospital stays, and decrease the risk of death.
Citing the review’s comprehensive nature, the researchers concluded: “This study reinforces the efficacy of incorporating exercise into cancer treatment protocols. Moderate- to high-certainty evidence showed that exercise, compared with usual care or no exercise, significantly reduced cancer-related adverse events, improved body composition and biomarkers, enhanced sleep quality, psychological wellbeing, physical function, social interaction and overall quality of life.”
International experts have praised the findings. A specialist cancer information nurse at Cancer Research UK, who was unaffiliated with the study, emphasized, “It [the review] provides further evidence that exercise could help reduce side effects from cancer treatment and improve long-term health.” The specialist also acknowledged the challenges, noting, “Cancer patients go through a lot when they are diagnosed, and focusing on lifestyle changes like being more active might sound overwhelming. It’s important to take things at your own pace and do activities that are right for you. Patients who would like advice or support on their situation should speak to their cancer team.”
For Thailand, these findings suggest significant revisions to existing cancer care pathways. Over the past decade, major Thai hospitals and cancer centers have prioritized medical breakthroughs but often underutilized lifestyle-based interventions. Incorporating evidence-based exercise programs could ease burdens on the healthcare system and reduce the frequency and severity of post-treatment complications, improving both survival and recovery quality. Some Thai medical universities and tertiary hospitals have piloted physiotherapy or gentle exercise classes for certain cancer patients, but formal policy lags behind countries in Europe and North America.
Culture may influence adoption as well. In Thai tradition, care for cancer often centers on rest and gentle social support, with family playing an essential role. Integrating exercise—especially activities familiar to Thais such as walking, yoga, or tai chi—aligns both with modern evidence and cultural preferences for gentleness and group support. This hybrid approach could help overcome patient hesitation and enhance family engagement in recovery.
Historically, the notion that cancer patients should “save their energy” dominated both Western and Thai medical thinking. However, this comprehensive review contributes to a paradigm shift: exercise, when tailored and properly supervised, is not only safe but highly beneficial—even for those undergoing intensive treatments or facing advanced disease.
Looking ahead, policy-makers and clinicians throughout Thailand are likely to consider revising national guidelines for cancer care to reflect these findings. Questions remain about how best to scale up personalized exercise prescriptions, ensure safety through multidisciplinary collaboration, and address lingering fears about pushing physical activity during treatment. Education campaigns targeting both clinicians and the public may be needed to shift enduring misconceptions.
Cancer survivors and advocates in Thailand now have actionable hope: speak with your healthcare team about safe and appropriate ways to stay active throughout your treatment journey. Medical institutions should make evidence-based exercise programs a core part of patient care, providing clear guidance and supervised options. Even gentle activities—walking, chair-based exercises, or stretching—can be beneficial, especially when integrated into daily routines and supported by family members.
As research continues to illuminate the full potential of non-pharmaceutical interventions, exercise stands out as a low-cost, high-impact approach to improving cancer outcomes and restoring holistic wellbeing for Thai patients and their families.