London - Going for a brisk walk can improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments, research reveals.
Scientists believe moderate exercise increases the supply of oxygen to the tumour, making it less aggressive.
Brad Behnke, associate professor of exercise physiology at Kansas University who led the study, said: “Exercise benefits multiple systems in the body, and may permanently alter the environment within the tumour.”
He explained that when a tumour is hypoxic, or has low oxygen levels, it is often very aggressive, while oxygen helps destroy cancer cells.
However he emphasised that the key is moderate exercise – with too little having no effect and too much having a negative effect.
He added: “There really aren’t any negative side effects of moderate-intensity exercise. Exercise is often prescribed to improve the side effects of cancer treatment, but what exercise is doing within the tumour itself is likely beneficial as well.”
Daily Mail