Did you know that physical exercise can be an essential tool during colorectal cancer treatment?
Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent neoplasms in Portugal and worldwide. Scientific evidence has shown that physical exercise, when safely and supervise integrated into the therapeutic plan, can improve treatment response, alleviate side effects, and enhance quality of life.
At Physioclem, we design specific oncological exercise programmes that take into account each person's clinical status, stage of treatment and physical condition.
1. Reduction of Treatment Side Effects
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause fatigue, loss of muscle mass, reduced strength and general deconditioning. Physical exercise helps to counteract these effects, promoting faster and more effective functional recovery.
2. Improved Quality of Life
Patients who exercise regularly report more energy, vitality, and emotional well-being. They also maintain greater autonomy to perform daily activities — even during the most demanding phases of treatment.
3. Body Weight Control
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential during and after cancer treatment. Physical exercise regulates metabolism and contributes to weight stability, an important factor in preventing tumour recurrence.
4. Strengthening the Immune System
Moderate-intensity physical exercise has positive effects on immune function, increasing resistance to infections — a common risk in patients undergoing treatment.
5. Positive Emotional Impact
In addition to physical benefits, physical activity improves mood, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, and contributes to more stable self-esteem. The body reacts better when we also feel emotionally stronger.
6. Lower Risk of Recurrence and Higher Survival Rate
A large international study showed that supervised physical exercise, started after chemotherapy treatment, reduced the risk of colon cancer recurrence by 28% and increased survival at 5 and 8 years by 6-8%.
Programmes Tailored to Each Patient's Reality
At Physioclem, oncology exercise programmes are personalised. We assess:
- Stage of the disease
- Type of treatment underway
- Physical fitness
- Presence of other clinical conditions
Each plan is monitored by physiotherapists with specific training in oncology.
In summary
Physical exercise is more than a recommendation — it is a safe, effective and transformative intervention in the context of colorectal cancer.
Taking care of your body during treatment is possible, necessary and brings results.
If you are undergoing treatment or recovering from colorectal cancer, talk to us. We are here to accompany you with safety, knowledge and attention at your own pace.
Pedro Machado
Physiotherapist and researcher
