Exercise as a Powerful Tool in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Exercise is emerging as a powerful tool in cancer prevention and treatment. Dr. Carrie Kier, a leading researcher in exercise oncology, shares insights on how physical activity can reduce cancer risk, improve treatment outcomes, and enhance quality of life for cancer patients.

Exercise for Cancer Prevention

According to Dr. Kier, exercise plays a significant role in cancer prevention:

• About 40% of cancers could be prevented through lifestyle changes, with exercise being an important factor
• Exercise has been shown to lower the risk of several cancers, including colon, breast, endometrial, stomach, and esophageal cancers
• The general recommendation is 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise
• There is a dose-response relationship - more exercise provides greater risk reduction
• Exercise lowers cancer risk regardless of obesity status
• Even for those with genetic predispositions, exercise can help lower cancer risk

How Exercise Affects Cancer Biology

Dr. Kier explains several mechanisms by which exercise impacts cancer:

• Improves blood flow and oxygenation to tumors, potentially enhancing chemotherapy and radiation effectiveness
• Increases shear stress in blood vessels, which may kill circulating tumor cells
• Reduces inflammation and improves immune function
• Lowers insulin and IGF-1 levels, which can fuel cancer growth
• Helps maintain healthy body composition and muscle mass

Exercise During Cancer Treatment

Exercise provides numerous benefits for patients undergoing cancer treatment:

• Helps manage treatment side effects like fatigue, sleep issues, and anxiety
• Improves ability to complete full course of chemotherapy
• May enhance effectiveness of treatments
• Associated with lower risk of cancer recurrence and improved survival

Dr. Kier emphasizes that both aerobic exercise and resistance training are beneficial. High-intensity interval training may be particularly effective at stimulating biological changes relevant to cancer.

Psychological Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients

Exercise offers important psychological benefits for those with cancer:

• Helps patients feel a sense of control over their health
• Reduces fear of cancer progression/recurrence
• Improves mood, self-confidence, and quality of life
• Provides a sense of normalcy during a difficult time

Exercise as Part of Cancer Care

Dr. Kier advocates for exercise to be integrated into cancer care:

• Major cancer organizations now recommend exercise for patients
• Exercise should be viewed as a critical part of treatment, not just an add-on
• More cancer centers are offering exercise programs for patients
• Even short bouts of activity can be beneficial - patients should start where they're able

Key Takeaways

• Exercise is beneficial across the continuum of cancer care - from prevention to treatment to survivorship
• Both aerobic exercise and resistance training offer important benefits
• Exercise can improve treatment outcomes, quality of life, and potentially survival
• Patients should discuss exercise with their oncology team
• More research is still needed, but exercise is a promising and low-risk intervention

By highlighting the powerful role of exercise in cancer prevention and care, Dr. Kier's research offers hope and empowerment to both patients and clinicians. While more studies are still needed, the evidence strongly supports making physical activity an integral part of cancer prevention and treatment strategies.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaFxN_cDuV0