Study links physical activity to lower cancer progression and death rates

Today, 4 February, marks World Cancer Day, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about cancer and promoting prevention strategies.

A recent study conducted by Vitality, in collaboration with Wits University and the University of Western Ontario, Canada, analysed data from over 28 thousand individuals with stage one cancer.

The research aimed to investigate the connection between regular physical activity before cancer diagnosis and its impact on cancer progression and mortality.

The findings revealed that moderate to high physical activity – about 60 minutes of exercise per week – was associated with a 27% reduced risk of cancer progression and a 47% lower risk of death.

Remarkably, even lower levels of physical activity, such as less than 60 minutes per week, still offered significant benefits, including a 16% reduction in the risk of cancer progression and a 33% lower risk of death.

In addition to physical activity, lifestyle changes play a vital role in cancer prevention and management.

This includes quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy diet, Mabunda explains.

The study also highlighted that physical activity may reduce the risk of progression for hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, by regulating estrogen and testosterone levels.