Every year, around 2 million people are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S., and at least 25% of them receive some form of chemotherapy.

While the benefits are clear — less cancer progression, longer life, even potential cancer cures — the side effects of chemo range from nausea, gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, hair loss, nerve pain, and mood swings to what’s called “chemo brain,” a cognitive impairment that can be experienced during or after treatment.

Changes in diet and anti-nausea drugs can ease the sickness and vomiting. Acupuncture and yoga may ease chemo-related peripheral nerve pain.

Chemo brain — which affects up to 75% of patients — causes problems with attention, verbal memory, executive function, and processing speed This may be relieved by exercise (which can also improve your mood).

That's the finding of a new study in JNCCN (the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network). Participants who were getting undergoing chemotherapy for the first time did a daily routine of walking and using resistance bands at low- to moderate-intensity for six weeks. They all demonstrated significantly less cognitive decline, impairment, and fatigue than peope who weren't exercising.

If you're headed for chemo or you’re in the middle of it, ask your doctor about side effects associated with your treatment and how to prevent or ease them.