Engaging in regular physical activity before being diagnosed with cancer may reduce the risk of disease progression and death, according to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The research suggests that even low levels of exercise can offer significant benefits for cancer patients.
What the Study Found
The study analyzed data from 28,248 participants in South Africa who were part of the Vitality health promotion program, linked to the Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS).
Participants included in the study were diagnosed with stage 1 cancers, with most cases being breast and prostate cancer. The data spanned from 2007 to 2022 and included comprehensive records of physical activity in the year prior to diagnosis.
Physical activity was categorized into three levels:
- No recorded activity: 62% of participants.
- Low activity: Up to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (13% of participants).
- Moderate to high activity: More than 60 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (25% of participants).
After accounting for factors like age, sex, socioeconomic status, and other health conditions, the researchers found that participants who were physically active before their cancer diagnosis had better outcomes than those who were inactive.
- Disease progression:
- 16% lower odds for those with low activity levels compared to no activity.
- 27% lower odds for those with moderate to high activity levels.
- Death from any cause:
- 33% lower odds for those with low activity levels compared to no activity.
- 47% lower odds for those with moderate to high activity levels.
Long-Term Outcomes
The study also tracked participants’ likelihood of avoiding disease progression and surviving over time:
- Two years after diagnosis:
- No progression: 74% for no activity, 78% for low activity, and 80% for moderate to high activity.
- Survival: 91% for no activity, 94% for low activity, and 95% for moderate to high activity.
- Five years after diagnosis:
- No progression: 66% for no activity, 70% for low activity, and 73% for moderate to high activity.
- Survival: 84% for no activity, 90% for low activity, and 91% for moderate to high activity.
While the benefits of physical activity lessened over time, they remained significant across all measured periods.
Why Physical Activity Helps
The researchers propose several biological reasons why physical activity may improve cancer outcomes. Exercise strengthens the immune system by increasing levels of natural killer cells, lymphocytes, and other immune components.
Additionally, physical activity can regulate hormone levels, which may help slow the progression of hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate cancer.
Study Limitations
As an observational study, the findings cannot prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship between physical activity and better cancer outcomes.
The researchers also noted some limitations, such as incomplete data on participants’ body weight (BMI) and lack of information on other factors like smoking and alcohol consumption. However, the results align with existing evidence that regular exercise supports overall health.
Implications for Cancer Prevention and Management
The study reinforces the importance of promoting physical activity as a part of cancer prevention and management strategies. The researchers conclude: “Physical activity may be considered to confer substantial benefits in terms of progression and overall mortality to those diagnosed with cancer.”
Encouraging people to adopt even modest levels of regular exercise could yield significant public health benefits, particularly as cancer continues to be a global health challenge.
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The research findings can be found in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
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