Unit Eight: Physical Activity and Cancer

Physical Activity and Cancer

Physical activity is any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. This includes activities such as walking, running, swimming, and cycling, as well as everyday activities like doing household chores or gardening. Regular physical activity has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of cancer.

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. There are more than 100 different types of cancer, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatments. Some of the most common types of cancer include breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.

Mechanisms linking physical activity and cancer

There are several mechanisms through which physical activity may decrease the risk of cancer. These include:

* Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce inflammation, which may in turn reduce the risk of cancer. * Improving immune function: The immune system plays a crucial role in detecting and destroying abnormal cells. Regular physical activity has been shown to boost the immune system, which may help to protect against cancer. * Regulating hormone levels: Some hormones, such as insulin and estrogen, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Regular physical activity has been shown to help regulate these hormone levels, which may reduce the risk of cancer. * Preventing obesity: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and endometrial cancer. Regular physical activity can help to prevent obesity, which may in turn reduce the risk of cancer.

Evidence of physical activity and cancer prevention

There is strong evidence that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including:

* Colon cancer: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer by up to 25%. * Breast cancer: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 20%. * Endometrial cancer: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer by up to 25%. * Lung cancer: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of lung cancer by up to 20%. * Esophageal cancer: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of esophageal cancer by up to 40%.

Evidence of physical activity and cancer survival

In addition to reducing the risk of cancer, regular physical activity has also been shown to improve cancer survival. This is because physical activity can help to improve the following:

* Physical function: Regular physical activity has been shown to improve physical function, which can help cancer survivors to maintain their independence and quality of life. * Fatigue: Cancer-related fatigue is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce fatigue and improve energy levels. * Mood: Cancer can have a negative impact on mood, leading to depression and anxiety. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. * Cardiovascular fitness: Cancer survivors are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness, which can help to reduce this risk.

Practical applications

There are several ways in which physical activity can be incorporated into cancer prevention and survival strategies:

* Healthcare providers can recommend regular physical activity to their patients as a way to reduce the risk of cancer. * Cancer survivors can be encouraged to engage in regular physical activity as a way to improve their physical function, reduce fatigue, improve mood, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. * Community-based physical activity programs can be developed to provide cancer survivors with the opportunity to engage in regular physical activity in a supportive and safe environment.

Challenges

There are several challenges that need to be addressed in order to effectively incorporate physical activity into cancer prevention and survival strategies. These include:

* Lack of awareness: Many healthcare providers and cancer survivors are not aware of the benefits of physical activity for cancer prevention and survival. * Lack of access: Many cancer survivors face barriers to physical activity, such as lack of access to safe and affordable exercise facilities. * Lack of motivation: Cancer survivors may lack the motivation to engage in regular physical activity, especially if they are experiencing fatigue or other side effects of cancer treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including colon, breast, endometrial, lung, and esophageal cancer. It has also been shown to improve cancer survival by improving physical function, reducing fatigue, improving mood, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed in order to effectively incorporate physical activity into cancer prevention and survival strategies. These include lack of awareness, lack of access, and lack of motivation. By addressing these challenges, we can help to ensure that cancer survivors have the opportunity to experience the many benefits of regular physical activity.

References:

* American Cancer Society. (2019). Physical activity and cancer. Retrieved from * National Cancer Institute. (2019). Physical activity and cancer. Retrieved from * World Cancer Research Fund. (2018). Physical activity and cancer. Retrieved from