Exercise may be just as crucial as medication in avoiding the return of cancer.
That’s a compelling and increasingly supported idea! Research suggests that regular exercise can play a significant role in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and improving survival rates, potentially rivaling the benefits of some medications in certain cancers.
How Exercise Helps Prevent Cancer Recurrence
- Reduces Inflammation & Insulin Resistance
- Chronic inflammation and high insulin levels are linked to cancer growth. Exercise helps regulate these factors.
- Boosts Immune Function
- Physical activity enhances immune surveillance, helping the body detect and destroy remaining cancer cells.
- Lowers Estrogen & Testosterone Levels
- Important for hormone-driven cancers (e.g., breast and prostate cancer), exercise helps regulate these hormones.
- Improves Treatment Efficacy
- Some studies suggest exercise may make chemotherapy and radiation more effective while reducing side effects.
- Reduces Obesity & Fat-Related Risks
- Excess fat tissue produces hormones that can fuel cancer growth; exercise helps maintain a healthy weight.
Evidence Supporting Exercise’s Role
- Breast Cancer: A 2022 study in JAMA Oncology found that 150+ minutes of moderate exercise per week reduced recurrence risk by up to 40%—comparable to some adjuvant therapies.
- Colorectal Cancer: Research in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed that regular physical activity lowered recurrence and mortality risks by 30-50%.
- Prostate Cancer: Vigorous exercise (e.g., running, swimming) has been linked to slower progression and better outcomes.
Exercise vs. Drugs: A Complementary Approach
While medications (e.g., tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors) remain crucial, exercise acts as a powerful adjuvant therapy. Some experts argue that for certain patients, exercise may be as impactful as drugs—but the best outcomes come from combining both.
Recommended Exercise Guidelines for Survivors
- Aerobic Exercise: 150+ minutes/week (e.g., brisk walking, cycling).
- Strength Training: 2-3x/week to maintain muscle mass.
- Consistency Matters: Even light activity (like walking) has benefits.
Exercise isn’t a replacement for medical treatment, but it’s a critical part of survivorship care. Many oncologists now prescribe exercise as part of cancer therapy, reinforcing its role alongside drugs in preventing recurrence.
Reference:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8431973
https://katiecouric.com/health/cancer/exercise-benefits-for-cancer-study
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