The Power of Exercise in Alleviating Cancer-Related Pain

Exercise has been long hailed for its multitude of health benefits. However, recent research has now shed light on a new benefit: its potential to alleviate pain in individuals diagnosed with cancer. A comprehensive study, which included over 60,000 participants, 10,000 of whom were cancer survivors, revealed that engaging in more than 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week could significantly reduce pain for these individuals.

The Power of Exercise

The study participants who exceeded the 150 minutes of moderate activity per week threshold were 16% less likely to report pain than those who did not exercise or exercised less. This finding not only adds to the burgeoning evidence highlighting the efficacy of physical activity in easing pain but also specifically underscores its potential in managing cancer-related pain. The analgesic effects of exercise on cancer-related pain are not yet fully established, but researchers have put forth several theories.

Exercise is believed to modulate pain through various physiological and psychological mechanisms. This includes raising the pain threshold, reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and through psychological factors. Encouraging exercise among cancer survivors is less about prescribing specific quantities of physical activity and more about helping patients discover activities they enjoy and can sustain over time.

Evidence Supporting Exercise for Pain Management in Cancer Patients

Confirming the benefits of exercise for cancer patients, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 121 studies which included over 13,000 participants concluded that physical activity could decrease pain intensity and bodily pain in individuals living with or beyond cancer. However, the quality of evidence was graded as very low to low, primarily due to the high heterogeneity between studies and possible publication bias.

In addition to pain relief, regular physical activity is also linked to increased survival rates, reduced side effects of treatments, and a decreased risk of recurrence. Recognizing these benefits, the American College of Sports Medicine aims to integrate exercise as standard practice in oncology by 2029.

Specific Exercise Recommendations for Cancer Patients

The U.S. guidelines recommend between 2.5 and 5 hours a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or between 1.25 and 2.5 hours of vigorous activity for cancer patients. A study focusing on Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) patients suggested combined resistance and endurance training as a beneficial exercise regimen. The study also emphasized the need for counselling and motivation to encourage CML patients to engage in regular physical activity.

Conclusion

Recent research suggests that physical activity can significantly reduce pain intensity in cancer survivors. Moreover, those who remain consistently active or become active in older adulthood report less pain. While the exact quantity and type of exercise may vary, finding an activity that is enjoyable and sustainable is key. As the field continues to explore the benefits of exercise for cancer patients, it’s clear that physical activity plays an important role in cancer recovery and pain management.