Cancer stands as the second leading cause of mortality globally. Throughout Europe, nearly thirty percent of adults received a cancer diagnosis in the year 2022. The recent disclosure of cancer affliction within three members of the royal family prompts contemplation among many regarding personal susceptibility to this malady, sparking inquiries about preventive measures.
Cancer, a multifaceted ailment, involves myriad factors that may augment an individual's vulnerability. Nevertheless, burgeoning evidence underscores the pivotal role of exercise in averting, combating, and surviving cancer. Various investigations demonstrate a correlation between regular physical activity and diminished likelihood of contracting several cancer types. Notably, engaging in exercise has been associated with a twenty percent reduction in the risk of prevalent cancers such as breast, endometrial, colon, and stomach cancers.
A comprehensive meta-analysis conducted in 2015, encompassing data from over 1.4 million participants, unveiled substantial risk reduction for several cancers, including liver, kidney, and lung cancer, among the most physically active cohort. Even after adjustments for factors like body mass index, the protective effect persisted, reaffirming the inverse relationship between physical activity and cancer risk.
The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are multifarious. Exercise exerts profound influences on metabolic pathways, modulating hormone levels like insulin and estrogen, implicated in the etiology of various cancers. Moreover, it enhances cellular function, fostering repair and elimination of damaged cells pivotal in thwarting cancer initiation. Additionally, exercise mitigates chronic inflammation, a precursor to malignancy, and other chronic ailments like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Furthermore, exercise aids in combating obesity, itself a significant risk factor for thirteen cancer types, including breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers.
Beyond preventive measures, exercise confers substantial benefits during and after cancer treatment. Preoperative exercise has been shown to facilitate postoperative recovery, as evidenced by improved functional capacity and hastened resumption of daily activities in lung cancer patients undergoing surgery. Moreover, exercise ameliorates treatment-related fatigue, a pervasive affliction among cancer patients, with sustained benefits observed even after cessation of exercise regimens.
Furthermore, evidence suggests exercise could enhance chemotherapy completion rates among breast cancer patients, potentially improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. Despite these promising findings, continued research is imperative to elucidate the intricate interplay between exercise and chemotherapy completion rates comprehensively.
Maintaining an active lifestyle may also diminish cancer recurrence rates, particularly for bowel and breast cancers. Mechanisms underlying this phenomenon parallel those implicated in risk reduction, including enhanced immunity, improved circulation, metabolic reprogramming, and favorable alterations in body composition.
Determining the optimal level of physical activity warrants further investigation, with existing evidence primarily derived from observational studies. Embracing exercise as a preventive and adjunctive measure against cancer is advisable, with recommendations advocating for at least 75-150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity weekly, supplemented by aerobic and resistance training sessions. However, any level of physical activity, no matter how modest, confers benefits, emphasizing the importance of incorporating movement into daily routines.
