A landmark review of global clinical trials has confirmed that regular physical activity—such as walking, resistance training, yoga, and tai chi—can significantly reduce the side effects of cancer treatment. The findings show that exercise isn’t just safe for people undergoing treatment, but that it can actively ease symptoms like heart and nerve damage, fatigue, and even brain fog. The study, led by Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University and published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, evaluated data from 80 high-quality articles and 485 clinical associations.
Not only did exercise reduce physical side effects, but it also improved sleep, mood, and overall quality of life for cancer patients. People who exercised before surgery had fewer complications and shorter hospital stays. This is the most comprehensive evidence to date showing that movement can be a powerful tool in recovery. With growing support from the medical community, exercise is increasingly being seen as an essential part of cancer care—offering strength, resilience, and healing one step at a time.