Review confirms exercise can help reduce cancer-related fatigue
Wednesday 14 November 2012 Fatigue is a widespread side-effect
of cancer and cancer treatment, and can often persist for months
or even years. Tackling cancer-related fatigue is considered
important - besides impacting on the patients quality of life,
it can also reduce their desire to continue with their
treatment. Rest combined with periods of physical activity may
help to reduce fatigue, according to the new review. Martin
Ledwick, head information nurse at Cancer Research UK, said:
"Its been known for some time that striking a balance between
activity and rest can help people manage cancer-related fatigue,
and this study provides further evidence to support this. It's
particularly encouraging that moderate aerobic exercise - like
walking or cycling - seems to be most effective." The new review
builds on a 2008 systematic review on the benefits of exercise,
published in the Cochrane Library, which found physical activity
did have some benefits