Improving Cancer Outcomes: The Role of Exercise, Therapy, and Diet

The battle against cancer is a comprehensive fight that encompasses not only conventional medical treatments but also incorporates supportive care practices that are proving to be vital in improving patient outcomes. Amidst an unsettling increase in cancer diagnoses among the relatively young, there is a glimmer of hope as survival rates surge, thanks to advancements in cancer treatments and support strategies.

Physical exercise has emerged as a non-negotiable pillar in the fight against cancer. Recognized as a potent form of medicine, tailored exercise regimes serve to empower the body to create an inhospitable environment for cancer. Exercise stimulates the immune system, augmenting the circulation of cancer-fighting immune cells and infusing them into tumor tissue. While boosting muscle mass and the release of myokines, exercise fosters a bodily state that slows cancer growth and propels cell death. Moreover, it counters fatigue, muscular and skeletal atrophy, fat gain, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, ultimately enhancing mental health and quality of life during treatment.

This increase in vitality is essential, as studies suggest that physically active cancer patients may reduce their risk of cancer-related mortality by an exceptional 40–50%. Emerging research also points to exercise augmenting the efficacy of foundational treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation and is indispensable in surgical preparation and rehabilitation.

The second key element of supportive care is psycho-oncology, which addresses the emotional well-being surrounding cancer. Focusing on the psychological, behavioral, and emotional aspects for both patients and their families, this field seeks to sustain or ameliorate life quality and mental health. Given that stress and anxiety can propagate an environment conducive to cancer progression via hormonal and inflammatory routes, it's imperative to support mental health.

Dietary interventions serve as the third supportive strategy, providing the nutritional fortification to battle cancer and withstand the rigors of treatment. A diet that limits inflammation, commonly featuring fresh, mostly plant-based foods, can be paramount, especially in patients who are overweight or displaying excess fatty tissue. On the other hand, muscle preservation is also crucial; hence, resistance exercise coupled with protein supplementation may be necessary.

Specialized dietary needs can arise, varying with the type of cancer and its treatments. Cases of rapid weight loss, known as cachexia, and rapid weight gain need meticulous management to avoid subsequent health issues post-cancer clearance such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

These supportive measures are not standalone cures, but when paired with medical treatments, they can significantly elevate patient outcomes. Professional guidance from accredited exercise physiologists, practicing dietitians, and registered psychologists is invaluable—and often supported by referrals from general practitioners through Medicare.

For those navigating the cancer journey or supporting a loved one, national and state cancer councils, along with cancer-specific organizations, offer resources and support to integrate these therapeutic tools into cancer care.