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Scoop on the Impact of Exercise on Cancer Patients and Survivors
We've got some fantastic news for folks dealing with the rollercoaster of cancer: exercise is more than just a feel-good activity; it's a game-changer in cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery. Here's the scoop on the latest research:
Exercise Benefits for Cancer Warriors
The science is in, and physical activity is a top-notch ally for cancer patients and survivors:
- Lower Risk of Cancer's Advancement and Mortality A 2025 study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, demonstrated that regularly working out before a cancer diagnosis could significantly reduce the risks of cancer progression and death[3]. Even light exercise brings a boost, with an hour of weekly physical activity reducing cancer progression by 27% and mortality by 47%[3].
- Positive Impact for Different Cancer Types The study, involving nearly 28,000 stage 1 cancer patients, found that moderate to intense exercise decreased the risk of cancer progressing to more severe stages by 27% compared to non-active participants[1].
- Hormone Receptor-Negative Cancers People with hormone receptor-negative breast cancer experienced the most significant benefits, seeing a 63% lower risk of distant recurrence during the study period[2].
- Sweet Spot for Workout Time The research suggested that exercising between 90 minutes to 5 hours weekly provided the most significant benefits, with no extra advantages observed beyond 5 hours[2].
How Exercise Helps Combat Cancer
Scientists have proposed various explanations for exercise's role in cancer prevention and treatment:
- Immunity Boost Exercise strengthens the immune system by increasing the count of natural killer cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils[3].
- Hormone Regulation Exercise may control the progression risk for hormone-sensitive illnesses, like breast and prostate cancer, by managing hormone levels, such as estrogen and testosterone[3].
Exercise Recommendations
The World Cancer Research Fund emphasizes that any physical activity, from structured exercise to daily tasks, can help decrease cancer risk[5]. The American Cancer Society advises cancer survivors to aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise weekly[6].
The Lance Armstrong Story
It's important to remember that Lance Armstrong's story isn't a textbook example after 2011. In 2012, he lost his Tour de France titles due to doping accusations, and he confessed to drug use throughout his cycling career. Although Armstrong's tale isn't used as a shining example in cancer survivorship chats, the positive impact of exercise on cancer survivors remains valid and is corroborated by extensive scientific research.
The link between Armstrong's use of performance-enhancing drugs and his cancer remains uncertain. Armstrong himself expressed doubts about the connection, stating in a 2020 ESPN documentary that he wasn't certain whether his doping caused the cancer, but he wouldn't rule it out[9]. While clear links between certain performance-enhancing drugs and testicular cancer are not well-established, researchers indicate that hormones with anabolic properties, like growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), can activate cellular mechanisms that affect key stages of cancer formation and progression[10]. Moreover, some anabolic steroids have been found to boost testicular Leydig cell proliferation and increase tumor development risk in animal models[11]. However, the complexity of doping practices, which often involve several substances, makes it tricky to establish a firm causal relationship between Armstrong's drug use and his cancer diagnosis[9][10].
Closing Thoughts
Exercise continues to be viewed as a vital part of cancer care and treatment. As research advances, the medical community increasingly sees exercise as a powerful tool in improving outcomes for cancer patients and survivors.
- The recent study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that regular exercise before a cancer diagnosis can significantly reduce the risks of cancer progression and mortality.
- Scientific research has shown that exercise, such as moderate to intense, has a positive impact on cancer patients, decreasing the risk of cancer progressing to more severe stages.
- Participating in 90 minutes to 5 hours of exercise per week has been found to provide the most significant benefits in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence, especially for individuals with hormone receptor-negative breast cancer.
