Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
East Black Sea Journal of Health Sc,ences, cilt.3, sa.1, ss.10-24, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)
Cancer poses a serious public health problem. Recent studies underscore the crucial role of exercise in enhancing the quality of
life for cancer patients, both during and after treatment, and its potential positive impact on treatment outcomes. This article
assesses the importance of physical activity in the context of cancer, drawing on current data.
Cancer treatment is a long-term process that includes different methods and strategies. Crafting a treatment plan hinges on factors
such as the patient's age, overall health, specific cancer type, and its staging. The main methods of cancer treatment include
chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, surgical procedures, targeted therapies, hormone therapy and stem cell
transplantation. One of the ways to reduce the side effects that occur in patients treated with one or more of these methods is to do
aerobic and resistance exercises.
Research emphasizes the increasing importance of physical activity in cancer treatment. This period is characterized by increased
emotional stress. Regular exercise has proven benefits. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, reduces depression, anxiety
and promotes better sleep quality. Furthermore, it serves to alleviate side effects such as fatigue, muscle loss, weight gain, and
diminished bone density. Additionally, regular exercise contributes to fortifying the immune system, enhancing resistance against
infections. Notably, a research highlights that women with breast cancer exhibit a reduced risk of cancer recurrence when they
incorporate exercise into their lives.
Exercise in cancer treatment exerts a significant influence on enzyme activities, potentially leading to alterations in metabolic
processes. Enzyme activities may either rise or fall based on their impact on metabolism. Notably, exercise has been shown to
boost the activity of antioxidant enzymes while simultaneously diminishing oxidative stress. This effect holds particular
importance when considering cancer treatment, as oxidative stress is known to facilitate the growth and dissemination of cancer
cells.
In conclusion, it can be said that the importance of exercising during and after cancer treatment is increasingly understood.
However, since each patient's cancer is unique, physical activities need to be individually tailored and monitored by experts.