Exercise Halves Complications After Lung Cancer Surgery

Strong evidence shows that physical activity substantially reduces the risk of many cancers, including breast and colon cancer. It also improves quality of life in people diagnosed with cancer and can delay recurrence or progression. New research found that regular exercise before lung cancer surgery reduced postoperative complication rates by up to half.

Complication: A side effect caused by a drug, medical procedure such as surgery, or disease.

In just the past 20 years, cancer survival in countries with developed healthcare, including ours, has increased by 20%. However, postoperative complications such as wound healing problems, vascular blockages or bleeding remain frequent. Research shows that high preoperative physical activity is associated with better postoperative outcomes.

British Journal of Sports Medicine published a review examining 6 cancer types including lung cancer, with 806 patients in 17 articles. Most preoperative exercise studies included aerobic activity such as walking and respiratory muscle training such as breathing exercises for 1-2 weeks before surgery. Exercise frequency ranged from 3 times weekly to 3 sessions daily. The researchers ultimately found moderate-quality evidence that preoperative exercise significantly reduces postoperative complication rates and hospital stays after lung cancer surgery.

Visible Benefits of Exercise

Although the role of exercise in cancer treatment and recovery is most evident in breast cancer , research into exercise habits in lung cancer also continues positively.

• For example, a recent study assessed how walking affected lung cancer patients’ quality of life over 6 months. Those continuing walking exercise for 6 months showed improved quality of life.
• Even ordinary-paced walking significantly extends life
• A study at the University of North Carolina’s Exercise Oncology Research Laboratory found that patients exercising regularly were much less tired, functioned better overall and felt considerably better physically and mentally.

However, patients may find thinking about exercise difficult after a cancer diagnosis. Those physically and emotionally exhausted naturally may think movement will be hard. Doctors and nurses should explain exercise’s importance for improving health. Exercise benefits not only cancer but also weight loss, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Most people treated for cancer can gradually increase exercise duration and intensity afterward. We recommend at least 120 minutes of brisk walking weekly during and after treatment. Relatives joining these walks can meaningfully support adopting an overall healthy lifestyle.

• The most concrete study showing how exercise reduces cancer growth