Exercises can alleviate symptoms in people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) – a new test

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult blood cancer in the western world and IT It mainly applies to older adults. Most people are diagnosed After the age of 70But it also affects the growing number of younger people, some under 60 years of age.

Cll starts when the type immune cell called cell B – Usually responsible for the production of antibodies – becomes Rakowy. This not only stops him from proper operation, but also weakens the rest of the immune system.

For many people, Cll begins as Slow -moving low degree This does not require immediate treatment. These patients are placed on “active monitoring”, where they are regularly checked for progression symptoms. Other, especially people with more aggressive forms of the disease, will need immediate and targeted treatment to destroy cancer cells.

But regardless of the scene, CLL includes an extended and often unpredictable course. It is related Higher risk of infection, secondary cancers and severe symptomatic load that can affect the quality of life for years.

People on active monitoring are often found like a medical abyss: well enough to not need treatment, but not well enough to feel safe. Fatigue, anxiety, social insulation and fear of infection are common. For people who receive treatment, side effects, including nausea, bleeding, diarrhea and extreme fatigue, can make everyday life even more difficult.

Because cll weakens the body’s ability to fight infectionMany people begin to avoid places where germs can spread: busy shops, family meetings and even a gym. But although this instinct is understandable, it can cost. Over time, insulation and inaction can break away from physical fitness, reduce immunity and make it difficult to recover after illness or deal with stress.

The role of exercises

Exercises are good for everyone, but For people living from CllIt can change life. Our research shows This physical activity is strongly associated with fewer symptoms and better quality of life. Fatigue, the most common and often the most devastating symptom, was much lower in people who remained active. Many have also reported reduced pain and a greater sense of physical well -being.

Cancer -related fatigue It’s not a bit tired. This is deep, persistent exhaustion that will not improve with sleep or rest. The exact biological causes are not fully understandable, but one thing is clear: regular movement helps. People who are more active feel better – and live better.

The good news is that even gentle activity can change something. Low intensity activities are safe for almost everyone and have significant health benefits. A walk, yoga, swimming – everything that moves you – can help you alleviate symptoms. In fact, research shows that only 12 weeks of regular exercise can reduce fatigue and improve daily well -being.

People with additional health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or bone conditions, should be careful. It is always worth talking to a doctor or physiotherapist before starting a new routine. Par-Q+ (Questionnaire of readiness of physical activity) is a helpful tool to assess whether you can safely start exercising.

After cleaning, the goal is to act to the recommended levels of activity: 150-300 minutes of moderate activity per week (e.g. risk or cycling) or 75–150 minutes of energetic activity (such as jogging or swimming), along with two sessions of measures related to muscle strength for a week. Start slowly and build gradually.

Since people from CLL are reduced immunity, it is important to reduce the risk of infection while remaining active. This can mean outside exercises, avoiding crowds, wearing a mask or choosing calmer times in the gym. But as long as precautions are taken, the benefits of movement significantly exceed the risk.

Benefits of maintaining activity

In one of our pilot testsPeople with CLL who have not yet started treatment have shown a less increase in the number of cancer cells after 12 weeks of exercise. Their immune system also seemed more solid, with stronger answers to incorrect cells. These studies are still at an early stage, but it is encouraging to see that exercises do not seem to accelerate the progress of diseases – and can even help slow down.

The greatest improvements were observed in people who began with the worst symptoms or the poorest physical condition. In other words, people have most often gained. In particular, older adults seemed to enjoy even modest activity.

People who receive treatment were generally less active and reported a lower quality of life than those who were not, but their levels of symptoms were similar. This suggests that physical activity can ensure particularly significant benefits for people undergoing treatment.

Exercises are already an established part of care for people with solid tumors, such as breast or intestinal cancer.

In CLL, it is different that many people do not receive treatment for years – but still experience symptoms and lower quality of life. Our study shows that physical activity is equally important for this group. Regardless of whether someone is in active monitoring or in treatment, he will remain active can help reduce symptoms, increase energy and improve everyday life.

This is a powerful reminder that even small steps can have a big difference and that a good life with Cll is not only waiting for treatment. It is about regaining strength, mobility and agencies, one move at once.