Hope Molecules, or Myokines, have gained significant interest in the medical community for their potential benefits beyond general physical and mental health, particularly in the context of cancer treatment and recovery. The intersection of exercise science and oncology reveals promising paths for improving the quality of life and health outcomes of cancer patients.
Starting with the improvement of the immune system to reducing systemic inflammation, maintaining muscle and physical strength, all leading to an overall enhancement of life quality. Regular, physical activity can support resilience during treatment, reducing common side effects, not to forget the psychological aspects of receiving this life changing diagnosis, which may cause a huge strain on a patient’s mental health but can be positively encountered by movement such as oncology yoga among other suitable exercises.
POWER UNLEASHED: How Hope Molecules promote (mental & physical) health and fitness and what they can do for Cancer Patients:
“Hope Molecules” are proteins produced by muscle fibers while exercising. The word hope indicates their ability to lift one’s spirit, as the molecules are spreading throughout the body communicating between muscles or organs such as the brain. Each muscle contraction releases molecules into the blood stream, spreading positive effects
on the physical side…:
Anti-Inflammatory properties:
Chronic inflammation is a contributing factor for tumor growth. As Myokines possess valuable anti-inflammatory properties, they may reduce cancer progress and tumor generation and eliminate diseases driven by inflammation.
Immune System Modulation:
Exercise strengthens the body’s immune response which leads to better immune surveillance among cancer patients and the destruction of cancer cells, as certain Myokines produced during movement, play a vital role in activating natural killer and T-cells responsible for such eliminations.
Muscle Preservation and Physical Strength:
Cachexia is a term that refers to muscle loss associated with cancer and its treatment. This common side effect can be countered by Myokines produced through physical exercises, as they preserve muscle mass and increase strength, working against systemic depletion and improving mobility, independence and an overall quality of life in cancer patients.
Improved Tolerance of Treatment:
Patients with cancer who are physically active may better tolerate treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Exercise has been shown to mitigate some of the treatments side effects, such as fatigue, nausea and neuropathy and has been proven to guide patients through therapy more comfortably
… and on the psychological side:
Emotional Support:
Cancer diagnosis and going through complex treatment can be mentally stressful, anxiety inducing or depressing. Cancer patients benefit from the antidepressant, mood-enhancing effects of Hope Molecules. They release neurotransmitters such as Serotonin and Dopamine, also called the “feel good hormones”, and by that help improve overall mood and reduce anxiety and depression, fostering a more positive outlook during treatment.
Mental Resilience:
Regular release of myokines helps build mental resilience, making it easier to cope with the mental burdens of cancer.
Cognitive Function:
Myokines support brain health through neurogenesis thus improving memory, learning and overall cognitive function, which may be more of a general benefit of Hope Molecules but nevertheless important for overall wellbeing.
When we think of movement the first association that comes to mind are the physical benefits such as getting stronger, fitter, maybe even healthier. As this may be true - the recommendation for cancer patients on exercise according to the American Cancer Society and the US Department of Health and Human Services are 150 - 320 minutes of physical activity per week (after consultation with a doctor) - the benefits for the mind of someone going through a severe illness, are not often considered and even more, extremely underestimated. Our emotional state of mind can be trained and nurtured just as easily as our bodies. Yoga brings the awareness to our feelings, and when imbalanced, supports mental health improvement.
Why consistency is key? Regular exercise is essential as the benefits of Myokines are cumulative, meaning the more consistently you exercise, the greater the beneficial outcome. It is a vital part of the (self-)care plan, supporting most cancer patients wellbeing when done in a safe, gentle, effective way.
Let’s summarize…
Hope Molecules are produced by muscles during exercise and have an anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, muscle-sparing and mental health-promoting effect. Cancer patients can expect better treatment results while enhancing life quality.
Movement, such as oncology yoga, is highly recommended by professionals in the field of cancer, suggesting exercise as an essential aspect of holistic oncological care, offering benefits along a patient's road to recovery.
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