Oncologists from Ribera advise regular low-impact physical exercise to improve the quality of life of patients.

Ahead of World Cancer Day, oncologists from the health group River bank They highlight the relevance of regular exercise, especially low-impact exercise, highlighting its benefits in improving patients’ quality of life, preventing disease and promoting recovery. “Exercise is very beneficial for people diagnosed with cancer, both for tolerance to treatment and for their recovery and improved quality of life, in turn promoting disease prevention in healthy populations,” says Dr. José Balsalbre, oncologist at the Ribera Virgen de la Caridad Hospital (Cartagena).

Specialists River bank confirm the benefits of exercise in cancer patients undergoing treatment and in disease prevention. Dr. Magda Palka

highlights improvements in asthenia, sleep, anxiety, nutritional status, weight control, process perception and pain. Additionally, it cites reductions in medication use, improved cognitive status, and positive effects on survival, risk of recurrence, mobility, immune system, and cardiovascular function, which also contributes to the mental health and emotional recovery of cancer patients.

Research supports the benefits of “therapeutic exercise” in cancer patients. Carlos Caceres from Ribera Povis. In patients undergoing chemotherapy, less toxicity and greater benefit are observed with moderate-intensity exercise, especially moderate-to-high-intensity resistance exercise, which may lead to lower chemotherapy doses and fewer side effects. There is growing evidence of the effectiveness of resistance exercise, such as exercises with kettlebells or resistance bands, compared with simple daily walks.

Dr. Balsalbre, oncologist in Ribera Virgen de la Caridad,

It emphasizes that strength training helps maintain muscle mass. He recommends walking as an adaptable, low-impact activity and highlights the benefits of yoga, Pilates and tai chi for improving flexibility, reducing stress and improving balance. In addition, he notes that these disciplines help reduce joint pain caused by certain treatments, such as hormonal therapy for breast cancer. Swimming is a great way to reduce muscle and bone pain.

Carlos Caceres, rehabilitation specialist at Ribera Powiswarns that caution should be used when exercising in patients undergoing radiation therapy where skin care is critical and exercise should be performed away from the irradiated area.

Doctor Palka emphasizes that the goal should be to enjoy physical activity, incorporate it into healthy lifestyle habits, and benefit from its positive effects. This highlights the importance of tailoring exercises to each patient, avoiding painful movements or excessive fatigue. He recommends starting with a daily 30-minute walk, preferably outdoors, and progressing to include aerobic exercise, strength training and consistent stretching, especially if pre-illness was not optimal.

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