What are the latest findings on the relationship between physical activity and cancer prevention?
Searched over 200M research papers
Research Analysis by Consensus
Consensus Meter
Latest Findings on the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Cancer Prevention
Physical Activity and Cancer Risk Reduction
Strong Evidence for Specific Cancers
Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have consistently shown that higher levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of several types of cancer. Notably, there is strong evidence supporting the protective effects of physical activity against bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal adenocarcinoma, renal, and gastric cancers, with relative risk reductions ranging from 10% to 20% . Specifically, vigorous physical exercise has been linked to a 17% reduction in pre-menopausal breast cancer risk and a 10% reduction in post-menopausal breast cancer risk.
Moderate Evidence for Other Cancers
While the evidence is robust for certain cancers, it is moderate or limited for others. For instance, physical activity has shown moderate associations with decreased risks of lung, pancreatic, and meningioma cancers, although these findings are less consistent and may be influenced by study heterogeneity and potential biases.
Physical Activity and Cancer Survival
Improved Survival Rates
Physical activity is not only beneficial for cancer prevention but also for improving survival rates among cancer patients. Studies have demonstrated that greater amounts of physical activity are associated with decreased all-cause and cancer-specific mortality in individuals diagnosed with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer, with relative risk reductions of up to 40% to 50% . Post-diagnosis physical activity appears to offer greater mortality benefits compared to pre-diagnosis activity.
Biological Mechanisms
The beneficial effects of physical activity on cancer survival may be mediated through several biological mechanisms. These include beneficial changes in circulating levels of insulin, insulin-related pathways, inflammation, and possibly immune function. Additionally, physical activity helps in weight control, which is crucial as excess weight and central adiposity are linked to increased cancer risk.
Adherence to Cancer Prevention Guidelines
Significant Reductions in Cancer Incidence and Mortality
Adherence to established cancer prevention guidelines, which include recommendations for diet and physical activity, has been consistently associated with significant reductions in overall cancer incidence and mortality. High adherence to these guidelines can lead to decreases of 10% to 61% in cancer incidence and mortality, with specific reductions noted for breast, endometrial, and colorectal cancers.
Research Gaps and Future Directions
Need for More Comprehensive Studies
Despite the growing body of evidence, several research gaps remain. There is a need for more observational studies on additional types of cancer with larger sample sizes to better understand the associations between physical activity and cancer risk and survival. Future studies should also explore the dose-response relationships and the biological mechanisms underlying these associations .
Precision Medicine Approach
There is increasing interest in applying a precision medicine approach to understand how exercise can be tailored as a potential treatment for cancer. This involves examining the effects of physical activity on cancer outcomes by molecular or genetic markers, which could lead to more personalized and effective interventions.
Conclusion
In summary, the latest research underscores the significant role of physical activity in reducing the risk of several types of cancer and improving survival rates among cancer patients. While the evidence is strong for certain cancers, more research is needed to fully understand the broader implications and to optimize physical activity guidelines for cancer prevention and control. Encouraging an active lifestyle remains a key public health strategy in the fight against cancer.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Physical Activity in Cancer Prevention and Survival: A Systematic Review
Cancer, physical activity, and exercise.
Adherence to Diet and Physical Activity Cancer Prevention Guidelines and Cancer Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Physical activity, biomarkers, and disease outcomes in cancer survivors: a systematic review.
Abstract P3-10-06: What is the latest evidence on diet, nutrition, physical activity and cancer – key findings from the WCRF/AICR continuous update project
American College of Sports Medicine Roundtable Report on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Cancer Prevention and Control
Latest Evidence on the Impact of Smoking, Sports, and Sexual Activity as Modifiable Lifestyle Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer Incidence, Recurrence, and Progression: A Systematic Review of the Literature by the European Association of Urology Section of Oncological Urology (ESOU).
Physical activity and cancer prevention: etiologic evidence and biological mechanisms.
Physical activity and cancer: an umbrella review of the literature including 22 major anatomical sites and 770 000 cancer cases
Physical Activity and Cancer Outcomes: A Precision Medicine Approach
Try another search
what are the importance of language attrition
What are the applications of nanotechnology in sensing and diagnostics?
What are the different types of rocks and how do they form?
What are the applications of nanotechnology in medicine?
What are the benefits of mindfulness for physical health?
What are the best treatments for rhuematoid arthritis?