William N. Pennington Cancer Institute
The Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown offers various cancer support services and resources to help patients every step of the way through their journey.
Can Exercise Really Help Prevent and Heal Cancer?
September 04, 2024
Did you know that being physically active can lower your risk of developing at least thirteen different types of cancer? Exercise plays an important role in preventing and recovering from a cancer diagnosis. Not only does it have a positive impact on building your body’s strength, but physical activity can also help you with your mental well-being and boost your quality of life.
For the first time, the American Cancer Society (ACS) projects that U.S. cancer cases will surpass 2 million in 2024. With cancer cases on the rise, help reduce your risk by being proactive about your health. Below, discover how exercise can help you reduce your risk of cancer, assist you on the road to recovery when undergoing treatments, and move forward with a healthy, cancer-free future.
How Exercise Helps Fight Cancer
A healthy diet and lifestyle have a direct link to cancer prevention, and physical activity has been proven to lower the risk for several types of cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that obesity and being overweight make up 40% of all cancer cases in the U.S. each year, increasing your risk for 13 different kinds of cancer. This accounts for more than 684,000 cancer cases in the U.S. each year.
According to the ACS, physical activity has been linked to a lower risk of several types of cancer, including:
- Colon cancer (for which the link is strongest)
- Breast cancer
- Endometrial cancer (cancer in the lining of the uterus)
- Bladder cancer
- Esophagus cancer
- Stomach cancer
Physical activity might also affect the risk of other cancers, such as:
- Lung cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Liver cancer
- Pancreas cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Ovarian cancer
Research shows that exercise can help to prevent cancers by:
- Controlling weight and preventing obesity.
- Reducing sex hormones or insulin.
- Strengthening the immune and digestive system.
How Much Exercise Do You Need to Keep Your Body Healthy?
According to the ACS, adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week, as well as muscle strengthening on two or more days of the week. If exercise seems like a chore, find what you love to do, such as dancing, yoga, biking, walking or sports.
The Healing Power of Exercise During Cancer
Before and during treatment, exercise can have numerous positive impacts on your health, including reduced treatment side effects, improved muscle strength and range of motion and mental well-being. It’s recommended to start exercising before starting treatment, allowing your body to build strength, endurance and energy as many people find it harder to be active during the road to recovery.
Some other benefits of exercise during treatment include:
- Less anxiety, better sleep and increased energy.
- Reduced risk of complications with surgery.
- Better response to treatment.
Empowering Your Health for Cancer Survivors
A healthy lifestyle after cancer can help your overall health, make your recovery faster and can also reduce the risk of other diseases appearing or cancer recurrence. According to the ACS, research has shown that people with breast, colorectal and prostate cancers who are physically active have a lower risk of cancer recurrence and improved survival compared to those who are inactive. With your provider’s approval, it’s recommended that you start exercising as soon as possible after treatment, starting slowly and building your strength. Treatment side effects may make this more challenging, however, find an activity that works for you and rest when needed. And remember - any movement helps!
Exercise is also proven to help cancer survivors with:
- Physical strength
- Improved mood
- Improved Sleep
- Fatigue
- Anxiety and depression
- Self-esteem
Before starting any exercise, please discuss with your care team to identify goals, concerns and any safety precautions you should take.