Abstract
This chapter aims to enhance the reader's understanding of the role of exercise and physical activity on the immune system of people with cancer. It is well established that physical activity and exercise protect against cancer development. The risk of developing cancer is further lowered when physical activity and exercise participation are higher in a dose-response relationship. A growing body of work suggests that exposure to exercise following a cancer diagnosis may lower cancer progression, reduce side effects, and potentially reduce mortality. Physical activity and exercise training have potent immune-enhancing effects in the general population. Therefore, it is likely that the immune system mediates some of the benefits of exercise in patients with cancer.
This chapter will explore the putative effects of exercise on reprogramming or maintaining the functions of the immune system before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis. We provide a brief overview of how the immune system responds to cancer. Then, we will outline how exercise affects the immune system to potentially prevent breast and colorectal cancers. We will then explore the impact of exercise on people with solid or haematologic cancers, focusing on the cellular and soluble responses. Following this, we will discuss the impact of exercise on people who have completed cancer therapies and can be classified as cancer survivors. Finally, a summary of these observations, future directions, and potential key mechanisms is provided.