Skip to main content

New study explores how exercise affects the progression of cancer

Could exercising in the year before diagnosis lower the risk of disease progression?

man doing jump rope black and white pic gym exercise
Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels

Research has shown that exercise lowers the risk of a range of diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Mounting studies show us the many benefits of exercise, from improving mood and blood pressure to enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness. Recently, researchers wanted to understand how exercise affects the progression of cancer. Previous research reveals that physical activity can help lower the risk of cancer-related mortality. Still, more conclusive evidence is needed on the role physical activity can play in disease progression. Let’s look at the study.

The study

two people squat exercise bodyweight
Ketut Subiyanto / Pexels

In a recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers analyzed data from the Discovery Health Medical Scheme or DHMS, which is the most extensive open medical plan in South Africa associated with the Vitality Health Promotion Program. 28,248 Vitality Health Promotion Program Members with stage I cancers were included in the study, spanning from 2007 to 2022. 44% of the study total involved breast and prostate cancers. The duration between the first cancer diagnosis, disease progression, mortality, or exiting from the study varied from one month to almost 13 years. 

Recommended Videos

All participants were rewarded for healthy lifestyle habits and scored points for logging gym attendance, participating in organized fitness activities, and for physical activity recorded by fitness trackers. Participants recorded activity type, duration, frequency, and intensity.

The study results

at home workout exercise man and woman class stretch yoga
Kampus / Pexels

The researchers accounted for factors like age at diagnosis, economic and social position, sex, and coexisting conditions. They concluded that:

  • The rates of all-cause mortality and cancer progression were 16% lower for those who engaged in low levels of physical activity in the year before their diagnosis compared to participants who hadn’t recorded any physical activity.
  • The risk among participants who had engaged in moderate-to-high levels was 27% lower.
  • Overall, the risk of all-cause mortality was 33% lower among those who had taken part in low levels of physical activity and 47% lower for those who stuck with moderate to higher levels of exercise.
  • The likelihood of disease progression increased with time for all participants. Still, it was lower among those who had recorded some type of physical activity in the year before their diagnosis.

Cancer and disease progression over time

Man walking on the beach
Dajana Reci / Pexels

After three years, the likelihood of no disease progression was:

  • 71% for those who partook in no physical activity.
  • 75% for those who partook in low levels of physical activity.
  • 78% for those who partook in moderate-to-high levels of physical activity.

Concluding thoughts

exercise class workout dumbbell lunge
Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels

It’s worth keeping in mind that this study is observational in nature, and researchers weren’t able to account for factors like alcohol consumption and smoking. This research adds to other studies that shed light on the benefits of exercise when it comes to cancer. It’s clear that even for those dealing with complex conditions like cancer, some degree of physical activity is beneficial. This study shows that exercising in the year before diagnosis could be linked to a lower risk of mortality and cancer progression by up to 27%. Even lower levels of physical activity are worthwhile.

Topics
Steph Green
Steph Green is a content writer specializing in healthcare, wellness, and nutrition. With over ten years of experience, she…
How to do lateral raises the right way
The dos and dont's of lateral raises
Man doing lateral raises

Lateral raises are a fundamental part of any shoulder workout routine. When you want to hit your deltoid muscles, this versatile move really helps enhance shoulder width and strength for those bulging boulder shoulders. Incorporating lateral raises into your workout regimen can contribute to a balanced upper body and better overall shoulder stability.

Today, many of us spend a lot of time with our arms forward in front of us and our shoulders and spines hunched over our phones or computers. I love the feeling after strengthening and stretching my shoulders, and moves like lateral raises and simple shoulder stretches help relieve shoulder discomfort I have from sitting or working for many hours.

Read more
How Hyatt’s new Peloton collaboration helps you stay fit while traveling
Stay motivated to get a killer workout on every trip
Hyatt Peloton Program

Launched late last year, World of Hyatt and Peloton have joined forces to offer an innovative and meaningful collaboration for health-focused travelers. The unique Hyatt Peloton points program allows World of Hyatt members to earn points on qualifying equipment-based Peloton workouts on-property at over 700 participating hotels worldwide. This one-of-a-kind program motivates travelers to stay committed to their fitness routines, even while traveling.

I chatted with TJ Abrams, Vice President of Global Wellbeing at Hyatt, to learn more about the exciting initiative. He shared what he admires about this unique partnership and the background story behind the initiative.
The story behind the Hyatt x Peloton collab

Read more
How to calculate body fat percentage: Methods, tools, and tips for beginners
Learn about five useful methods
Love handles.

While we often focus on the number on the scale, it is really our body fat percentage that tells us just how healthy and fit we are. As a trainer, I have many clients come to me concerned about their BMI. I have to shift their focus, as measurements like BMI that only account for height and weight ignore factors like muscle mass.

Whether you are simply curious about your body fat percentage or you are looking to reduce it, keep reading to learn the most accurate methods for how to calculate body fat percentage!
What is body fat percentage?

Read more