An Unexpected Weapon in Your Cancer Fight
A cancer diagnosis can turn your world upside down. The fear, the uncertainty, the grueling treatments—it’s a journey no one wants to face.
And for those undergoing chemotherapy, the battle doesn’t always end when treatment does. Many patients are left grappling with lasting nerve damage that can cause pain, numbness, and balance issues, severely impacting their quality of life long after they’ve beaten cancer.
But what if a simple addition to your treatment plan could dramatically reduce your risk of these devastating side effects?
A groundbreaking new study has revealed an unexpected ally in the fight against chemo-induced nerve damage…
The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, followed 158 cancer patients receiving treatment with oxaliplatin or vinca-alkaloids—chemotherapy drugs known for their high risk of nerve damage.
Here’s what they found…
Patients who performed specific exercises twice a week during chemotherapy reduced their risk of developing nerve damage by 50 to 70%.
The exercises were simple and brief—just 15 to 30 minutes per session—focusing on balance training or using a vibration plate.
Exercise not only prevented nerve damage but also improved patients’ quality of life, reduced the need for chemo dose reductions, and even lowered mortality rates in the five years following treatment.
This is a game-changer for cancer patients. Up to 90% of those receiving certain chemotherapies experience symptoms of nerve damage, with about half developing chronic issues.
Until now, medications have proven ineffective in preventing or reversing this damage.
Dr. Fiona Streckmann, the sports scientist leading the study, emphasizes that “the potential of physical activity is hugely underestimated” in cancer care.
So, what does this mean for you or a loved one facing chemotherapy?
Talk to your oncologist about incorporating exercise into your treatment plan. Ask if balance training or vibration plate exercises might be appropriate for you.
Don’t wait until after treatment to start moving—the study shows that exercising during chemotherapy provides the most benefit.
Start small—even if you can’t do 30 minutes twice a week, any amount of targeted exercise could help.
And consider working with a physical therapist or sports therapist experienced in oncology care. They can guide you through safe, effective exercises tailored to your needs.
Also, remember that exercise has benefits beyond nerve protection. It can boost your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being during a challenging time.
While exercise isn’t a magic bullet, this research offers new hope for improving outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients. By adding a little movement to your treatment plan, you might just be giving your nerves—and your future—a better chance.
To better cancer outcomes,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. Silent alarms your body might be sounding about cancer.
Source:
Streckmann, F., et al. (2024). Prevention of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy with specific exercises concomitant to therapy – a multi-centre, randomized, controlled trial (STOP). JAMA Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.2354
