© Raphaëlle Dickes
Medical research shows that physical activity can significantly improve outcomes for cancer patients, and Victoria Caro’s journey highlights its transformative power.
In April 2024, Victoria Caro was diagnosed with breast cancer. Alongside chemotherapy, the emergency doctor at Kirchberg Hospital reviewed medical research to explore ways patients could improve their outcomes and found strong evidence supporting the role of exercise. The statistics were striking.
For breast cancer patients, regular physical activity reduces the risk of recurrence by 25%, while for colorectal cancer, it lowers the eight-year mortality risk by 37%. Dr. Steve Hein, from the Department of Sports Medicine and Prevention at CHL, confirms these findings. He has worked with oncology patients for a decade, particularly those with breast and colorectal cancer.
Exercise helps patients tolerate chemotherapy more effectively, reduces side effects, combats fatigue, prevents muscle loss, and can even ease nerve-related issues. A weekly regimen of 150-300 minutes combining endurance and strength training is recommended, including two 30-minute muscle exercises. Intensity isn’t always necessary; even lighter activity counts.
The benefits of exercise stem from multiple mechanisms. Dr. Hein explains:
"On one hand, physical activity lowers inflammation in the body, which likely removes a sort of growth fuel from the cancer. Muscles release signaling molecules during exercise that can act on cancer cells. This includes boosting immunity, our immune cells become more specifically active against cancer cells and detect them more quickly."
"Breaking the myth that patients should rest during treatment"
Victoria Caro followed a personalised program designed by a Spanish fitness coach specialising in cancer patients, tailored to support her through each stage of therapy. The program focused primarily on running and strength training, with impact training added during hormone therapy to help prevent osteoporosis.
"It wasn’t easy at first", Caro admits. "Exercising alongside cancer treatment was challenging. But once I felt the positive effects, my motivation grew naturally."
She experienced tangible benefits: "I gained vitality. I reduced all side effects, muscular and joint pains. Currently, under hormone therapy, I live a fairly comfortable life. I have almost no side effects, which has enabled good adherence to the treatment."
Caro is determined to share her experience. She is taking courses on exercise, lifestyle, and nutrition in oncology and plans to advise other patients through a platform and dedicated courses. Her goal is to debunk the myth that cancer patients should only rest during treatment.
Looking ahead, a new pilot project will launch by the end of this year or early next year. Doctors will be able to prescribe physical activity to various patient groups, who will then receive guidance from trained personnel, with at least partial reimbursement through the CNS.
