Physical activity and the prevention of cancer: a review of recent findings

Abstract

A number of lifestyle characteristics have already been well established as risk factors for cancer; these include tobacco smoking, diet, alcohol consumption and obesity. More recently, attention has been drawn to the potential relationship between physical activity and cancer risk. In 2002, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) published volume 6 of Handbooks of Cancer Prevention: Weight Control and Physical Activity. The IARC report concluded that regular physical activity reduces the risk of breast and colon cancers, and suggested that physical activity also possibly reduces the risk of endometrial and prostate cancers. Since 2002, seven additional reviews and 38 original reports from cohort studies have been identified. These papers cover cancers of the colon/colorectum, breast, endometrium, pancreas, prostate, lung and ovary. This review updates the evidence on physical activity and cancer risk based on these new findings.It now appears that the decreased risk of colon cancer associated with physical activity is stronger in men than women, and also that the link between breast cancer and physical activity is stronger in post-menopausal than pre-menopausal women. The recent evidence also suggests that risk of cancers of the lung and endometrium, and to a lesser extent prostate, is likely to be decreased by physical activity. Yet, there is little or no suggestion that pancreatic or ovarian cancer risk is modified by physical activity. The biological plausibility of the observed associations between physical activity and cancer are supported by a variety of site-specific and generic mechanisms which are discussed in this review.

Level of physical activity of physical education students according to criteria of the IPAQ questionnaire and the recommendation of WHO experts

“…A report by Lee [7] demonstrated that regular physical exercise could reduce the risk of falling ill with colorectal cancer by as much as 40-50%. Further beneficial effects of exercise have been found to include lowering the risk of the appearance of prostate cancer [13], of body of the uterus [11], and onset of lung cancer [8].…”

A Comprehensive Cancer Care Plan: Examining the Role of Exercise, Nutrition, and Emotional Support in Cancer Recovery

“…One such intervention, exercise rehabilitation, has been widely reported in the literature to benefit cancer patients. With more than two decades of literature examining this topic [16][17][18][19][20][21][22], research continues to support a link between a physically active lifestyle and improvements in quality of life in cancer survivors [16,17]. As such, the American Cancer Society recommends that exercise serve as an important part of an individual's cancer care plan, asserting that exercise will decrease feelings of fatigue both during and after treatment, and improve an individual's feeling of control and hope [23].…”

Cancer prevention, aerobic capacity, and physical functioning in survivors related to physical activity: a recent review

“…18 In addition to the information presented by the NCI, recent literature reviews also provide supporting evidence for the proposition that physical activity helps to prevent cancer. 9,19 The findings of epidemiologic studies consisting of large-scale cohorts, meta-analyses, reviews, and/or case studies summarize the factors associated with a decreased risk for the development of various types of cancer. In the next few paragraphs, information is presented regarding the specific association between physical activity levels and the occurrence of breast, colon, and rectal cancer.…”

“…20 More recent reports have also provided strong evidence suggesting the link between physical activity levels and risk reduction through literature reviews of breast cancer research. 9,19,21 Specifically, Friedenreich in 2004 reported that although several studies found significant general associations with exercise and breast cancer, the most profound reductions in breast cancer development due to increased physical activity levels were found in postmenopausal women. 21 In her review of recent cancer prevention literature, Kruk provides several examples of global cohort studies reporting breast cancer risk reduction through a physically active lifestyle, recreational activities, or higher levels of household activities.…”

“…9 Miles concludes her review by stating that the majority of research presented strongly supports the notion that physical activity helps prevent breast cancer. 19 According to Miles and other researchers, there also appears to be an inverse dose-response relationship between physical activity and breast cancer. 19,24,27,28 Therefore, higher levels of physical activity intensity, frequency, and duration (ie, exercise at moderate to vigorous levels) appear to be more beneficial to modifying one's risk for developing breast cancer than being involved in lower levels of recreational activity.…”