Regular physical exercise can lower the risk of cancer recurrence and extend the lives of patients, according to a new meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM). The effect was strongest among people diagnosed with early-stage cancer.
Researchers pooled data from 21 clinical trials involving 8,449 patients. The average age of participants was 54, and they were followed for an average of more than five years. Most of the trials focused on breast cancer, though some also examined colon and pancreatic cancer.
Patients who followed a structured training programme had a 17 percent lower risk of their cancer returning or dying compared with those who did not exercise, the analysis found. Their overall risk of death was 23 percent lower, and the likelihood of dying specifically from cancer was 26 percent lower.
Aerobic exercise showed strongest results
The best outcomes were seen among patients who did aerobic exercise, such as walking, running or stationary cycling, particularly when combined with strength training. The protective effect was stronger among patients who completed at least 70 percent of their prescribed exercise programme.
The researchers believe physical activity may boost the immune system's response against tumour cells, improve blood flow to tumours, and influence glucose metabolism and hormone levels in the body. The British Journal of Sports Medicine, where the findings were published, is a peer-reviewed journal that covers research on exercise, physical activity and health.
More research needed beyond breast cancer
The authors noted that most of the available evidence relates to breast cancer, meaning further studies are needed to confirm whether the same benefits apply to other types of tumours, including the colon and pancreatic cancers included in smaller numbers in the analysis.
Separately, other recent research has suggested that habitually drinking hot tea or coffee may raise the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus, a reminder that lifestyle factors can influence cancer risk in different directions depending on the type of disease and the habit involved.
