Lung cancer stands as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, claiming more lives than any other cancer.
However, promising research led by Curtin University suggests that even a brief daily period of physical activity, lasting less than five minutes, could be associated with extended lifespans for individuals battling inoperable forms of this disease.
The study, a collaborative effort involving the Curtin School of Allied Health, the Curtin enAble Institute, and other research institutions, meticulously tracked the daily physical activity of 89 individuals diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer from the time of diagnosis.
Their findings, titled “Association between Physical Activity and Reduced Mortality in Inoperable Lung Cancer,” were published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.
The researchers then compared mortality rates after a 12-month period between two groups: those who engaged in more moderate-to-vigorous physical activities, such as walking, and those who remained largely inactive. The results were striking.
Individuals who managed to complete more than 4.6 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity exhibited a remarkable 60% lower risk of mortality after 12 months compared to their less active counterparts.
Associate Professor Vin Cavalheri, the lead researcher and former Cancer Council WA postdoctoral Fellow, emphasized the potential significance of these findings, particularly in the early stages of treating inoperable lung cancer.
“We previously demonstrated people with inoperable lung cancer were highly sedentary and spent minimal time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity before the commencement of treatment,” noted Associate Professor Cavalheri.
He further highlighted the importance of healthcare providers assessing an individual’s physical activity levels during the early stages of managing inoperable lung cancer.
Additionally, there is a need to explore strategies that motivate patients to engage in more physical activity, especially considering that 24% of the study participants engaged in less than one minute per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
Associate Professor Cavalheri underscored the importance of customizing physical activity and exercise regimens to each patient’s unique circumstances and preferences, rather than imposing rigid guidelines that may not be feasible for everyone.
This personalized approach acknowledges the complexity of each individual’s experience and aims to develop sustainable strategies that increase the likelihood of physical activity becoming an integral part of their lives.
While bedrest is often seen as the go-to recommendation when dealing with illness, this study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that remaining active can be beneficial, even when confronting serious diseases like cancer.
Associate Professor Cavalheri pointed out that the link between higher physical activity levels and reduced mortality aligns with previous findings in various populations, including those with colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The researchers believe that if this association is confirmed, it may warrant randomized controlled trials focused on individuals with inoperable lung cancer, with interventions designed to enhance physical activity levels.
This approach could potentially offer valuable insights into improving the overall well-being and longevity of those facing this challenging diagnosis.
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The research findings can be found in Journal of Clinical Medicine.
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