MOST PEOPLE STRUGGLE to commit to an exercise program, especially those with cancer. Factor depression into the mix, and it’s an even steeper uphill battle. Yet new research offers valuable motivation: People with cancer who worked out had reduced symptoms of depression.
Research shows depression, a mental health disorder characterized by negative mood and a loss of interest in once-beloved activities for two weeks or more, affects 13% to 27% of people with a history of cancer. That’s two to three times higher than in the general population.
“Depression in patients with cancer is frequently underrecognized, as patients and providers may be more focused on the immediacy of cancer treatment than mental health concerns,” says Sapna Oberoi, a physician-scientist at Cancer Care Manitoba in Winnipeg. Even people diagnosed with depression who don’t have cancer often have trouble accessing psychological support because of the time commitment, cost and limited availability of mental health professionals.
Exercising for even a short amount of time can help make a big difference.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends cancer survivors log 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity every week, along with resistance training at least twice per week. If you’re new to exercise and those goals seem out of reach, start small and do more over time, advises Erika Rees-Punia, an exercise physiologist and behavioral scientist with the ACS. “A few minutes of movement is better than nothing, so do what you can,” she says.
In a study published Oct. 8, 2024, in JAMA Network Open, researchers evaluated the impact of aerobic exercise on depression in people with cancer. They reviewed 25 studies that involved 1,931 people with various types of cancer. Participants who engaged in aerobic exercise programs, doing activities like walking, cycling and swimming, reported fewer symptoms of depression—such as hopelessness, fatigue and anxiety—one month after completing the program. In some cases, these effects lasted up to 12 months.
Because all types of aerobic activity can help improve mental well-being, the key is choosing activities you enjoy so you’ll be more likely to continue exercising, says Erika Rees-Punia, an exercise physiologist and behavioral scientist with the American Cancer Society. She suggests trying walking, dancing and jogging to determine what you prefer.
“Exercise improves mood, self-esteem and social interaction while also reducing stress and negative thoughts,” says Oberoi, the study’s senior author. Physiologically, aero bic exercise triggers the release of hormones like endorphins and serotonin that help regulate mood, enhance brain function and reduce inflammation, which has been associated with depression. Researchers also noted exercise doesn’t require a referral and has low or no costs. Additionally, people with cancer can easily adjust the frequency and duration of exercise based on how they feel during treatment.
While research has already established that aerobic physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression in the general public, this study suggests similar benefits for people with cancer. “It was encouraging to see that these positive effects also extended to patients with cancer,” Oberoi says.
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