Klin Onkol 2020; 33(2): 101-106. DOI: 10.14735/amko2020101.
The prevalence of cancer has been increasing. In cancer patients, quality of life and physical abilities are often impaired. Exercise is aimed at improving patient physical fitness and the symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment. During exercise, muscle cells release substances, referred to as myokines, that have a protective effect against oncological diseases. Regular exercise can influence the levels of cytokines IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. Reductions in the risk of developing an oncological disease by performing physical activity can be explained by several mechanisms, which can be divided into direct and indirect mechanisms. People with increased physical activity tend to have more optimal BMI values and a lower incidence of intraabdominal obesity. Other direct mechanisms include the effect of exercise on the levels of insulin-like growth factor and vasoactive intestinal peptide. Epigenetic effects of exercise are also an important mechanism. Additionally, exercise also affects oxidative and antioxidant pathways, energy metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. Optimal physical activity reduces the risk of cancer and leads to improvements in cardiovascular health in cancer patients. It also optimizes of BMI values. In cancer patients, regular exercise also improves muscle strength and significantly affects quality of life. Exercise is an important therapeutic option for reducing the fatigue associated with cancer and can benefit patients by improving their condition in the preoperative and postoperative periods. Exercise also reduces the risk of complications associated with surgery and reduces the risk of injury.
