Exercise and Cancer: Groundbreaking Evidence, Real Hope
At Life is Movement, we believe in the healing power of movement — and today, we’re happy to share some truly important news for anyone living with or recovering from cancer.
A new landmark review — the largest of its kind — has shown that exercise is not only safe for people undergoing cancer treatment, but profoundly beneficial. The study was highlighted in The Guardian, and it's a message we are deeply passionate about spreading throughout our community in Brighton & Hove and beyond.
Size and Scope of the Study
This review pulled together findings from 80 high- to moderate-quality studies carried out between 2012 and 2024. It was led by researchers from Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University and published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
The evidence was rated as moderate to high certainty — meaning there’s a strong and reliable base of data backing these conclusions. This isn’t hopeful theory. It’s real, measurable benefit, supported by high-quality research.
What Types of Exercise Were Studied?
The researchers looked at a wide variety of movement-based interventions, including:
Aerobic exercise (like walking, cycling, or swimming)
Resistance training
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Tai Chi and yoga
Each of these forms of exercise was found to offer powerful support — even during cancer treatment — when done appropriately and progressively.
What Were the Key Findings?
Exercise significantly helped to:
Reduce heart and nerve damage caused by chemotherapy
Improve shortness of breath, cognitive function, and fatigue
Lower key biomarkers of inflammation and metabolic disruption (like insulin and CRP)
Enhance sleep, emotional wellbeing, physical function, and social connectedness
It also showed real promise in reducing post-operative complications when done before surgery.
This is a hopeful, actionable message: movement can be medicine — even in the most vulnerable periods of your life.
A Personal Note
Like so many of us, cancer has touched me personally — more than once. I know how overwhelming and isolating it can feel. That’s why this kind of evidence matters so much.
For people living with cancer in Brighton & Hove’s health, fitness, and wellness communities, this research offers not just reassurance, but empowerment.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re living with cancer — whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, or recovering — you don’t need to walk this path alone.
At Life is Movement Clinic, we’ve developed safe, supportive clinical exercise programmes for people just like you.
New Member Resource: Cancer & Exercise E-Guide
We’ve just released a brand-new guidebook specifically for our clinic members:
“Exercise Guidelines for People Living with Cancer” — a supportive, easy-to-follow resource that outlines:
What types of movement are most beneficial
How to gauge your energy and symptoms
How to exercise safely at different stages of treatment or recovery
Even if you can’t make it into the clinic, this guide is available to all members of Life is Movement, and may be just what you need at a time when clarity and confidence are essential.
If you’d like guidance on starting or resuming exercise — whether gently or more actively — we’re here for you.
#LifeIsMovement #BrightonWellness #HoveHealth #CancerRecovery #ExerciseOncology #CancerSupportUK #LongCovidAndCancer #PhysioForCancer #BrightonFitness #MovementIsMedicine #CancerRehab #BrightonPhysio #HoveWellbeing #HealthInMotion
