Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. A new study from South Africa examined the effects of physical activity prior to cancer diagnosis on both the advancement of cancer and mortality rates. Physical inactivity is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, with alarmingly high levels now being reported. One third of adults globally do not engage in sufficient physical activity.
Researchers in the recent study observed that physical activity can prevent cancer and lower death rates, supported by current evidence. Their goal was to investigate the impact of physical activity on the advancement of cancer.
All participants were enrolled in a program named Vitality, designed to boost physical activity. The program enables tracking of physical activity via wearable devices and monitoring gym attendance. The participants all had stage 1 cancer and had been in this program for at least one year before their cancer diagnosis. The test focused primarily on breast, skin and prostate cancer.
The participants were put into one of three groups according to their physical level activity, which was accessed a year before the cancer diagnosis. These groups of physical activity levels were none, low, or moderate to high, with the activity level at moderate intensity. Over half of the participants were in the no physical activity group.
People engaging in moderate to high levels of physical activity had a 27% lower risk of cancer progression and a 47% reduced risk of death from any cause, compared to those who were inactive. Similarly, individuals with low physical activity levels saw a 16% decrease in the likelihood of cancer progression and a 33% decrease in the risk of death from any cause, when compared to the inactive group.
The study continued to show the positive effects of physical activity on survival and cancer control. For example, two years after being diagnosed, those who had maintained moderate to high levels of physical activity the year before diagnosis had an 80% likelihood of survival without their cancer worsening.
The findings emphasize the benefits of exercise over a sedentary lifestyle in reducing cancer progression and mortality. The data also suggest that even minimal physical activity such as 1 hour a week can be advantageous.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Association between recorded physical activity and cancer progression or mortality in individuals diagnosed with cancer in South Africa
