A recent analysis has revealed a strong connection between physical strength, fitness, and a longer life for people with cancer. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suggests that improving muscle strength and fitness could significantly lower the risk of dying from cancer or any other cause.
Cancer is a major global health challenge. In 2022 alone, 20 million people were diagnosed with the disease, and nearly 10 million lost their lives to it. Experts believe these numbers will rise in the future.
Despite advances in cancer care, including better treatments and early detection, the side effects of therapies—particularly their impact on the heart and muscles—can make it harder for patients to survive.
The researchers behind this study wanted to explore whether building muscle strength and improving cardiovascular fitness could help cancer patients live longer. To do this, they analyzed data from 42 studies involving nearly 47,000 cancer patients of different ages, types of cancer, and stages of the disease. The average age of the participants was 64 years.
To measure muscle strength, the studies used a test called handgrip strength. For women, low muscle strength was classified as a grip strength between less than 13 kg and less than 25 kg. For men, it ranged from less than 20 kg to less than 40 kg.
Cardiovascular fitness was assessed through tests like the six-minute walk test or cardiopulmonary exercise testing, which measure how well the heart and lungs function during exercise.
The combined analysis showed that both strong muscles and better fitness levels were linked to a lower risk of death. Cancer patients with greater muscle strength and higher fitness levels were 31–46% less likely to die from any cause compared to those with weaker muscles and lower fitness.
Importantly, each small improvement in muscle strength reduced the risk of death by an additional 11%.
For patients with advanced cancer (stages 3 and 4), the benefits were clear. Stronger muscles and better fitness were associated with an 8–46% lower risk of death from any cause. Patients with lung or digestive cancers also saw significant benefits, with a 19–41% reduction in the risk of death.
Fitness levels, in particular, had a notable impact. Each improvement in fitness was linked to an 18% lower risk of death from cancer itself. This highlights the potential for exercise programs to play an important role in cancer care.
The researchers believe that measuring muscle strength could become a useful tool for doctors. By assessing a patient’s grip strength, doctors might estimate their risk of dying and recommend strength-building activities to improve their chances of survival.
Tailored exercise programs focusing on both muscle and cardiovascular fitness could be life-changing for people with cancer.
Study Analysis
This study underscores the importance of physical activity in managing cancer. It suggests that building strength and fitness isn’t just about improving quality of life—it could directly affect survival.
For patients in advanced stages of cancer or those with specific types of cancer, such as lung or digestive cancers, the benefits of exercise appear particularly strong.
While the study demonstrates a clear link between strength, fitness, and survival, it does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship. More research is needed to understand exactly how exercise impacts cancer progression and survival.
However, the findings offer a hopeful message: incorporating exercise into cancer care could provide patients with a simple, effective way to improve their outcomes.
This research encourages healthcare providers to consider strength and fitness as vital aspects of cancer treatment plans, giving patients not only better health but also a fighting chance at a longer life.
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The research findings can be found in British Journal of Sports Medicine.
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