After a cancer diagnosis, the risk of progress and mortality can significantly reduce cancer, according to new research that has been published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study carried out by Discovery Vitality in collaboration with researchers at Wits University and the University of Western Ontario underlines the decisive role of physical activity when it progresses and survival of cancer.
The groundbreaking study analyzed data from 28,248 people with cancer in stage 1 and examined their physical activity before diagnosis.
Medium -heavy to high physical activity (60 or more minutes per week) compared to no activity in the year before the diagnosis of cancer was associated with:
- 27% lower risk of progression of cancer.
- 47% lower risk of death for any reason.
Low physical activity (less than 60 minutes per week) did not show any activity in the year before the diagnosis of cancer:
- 16% lower risk of progression of cancer.
- 33% lower risk of death for any reason.
Dr. Mosima Mabunda, head of wellness at Discovery Vitality, stated: “This research provides strong indications that physical activity should be a key component of cancer supply before and after the diagnosis. Exercise not only helps reduce the risk of cancer, but also improves the survival results, which makes it a powerful instrument to treat the disease. “
Read more: get ready too fit? Tap the new vitality fitness platform
The global cancer pollution
Cancer remains a main cause of early deaths worldwide, with about 1 out of 5 people in their lives expect to develop the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cancer was responsible for 9.7 million deaths worldwide in 2022. The situation is equally involved in South Africa, since the National Cancer Registry (NCR) reports that the lifelong risk of developing a cancer is 1 in 8 women and 1 of 6 men.
The avoidable nature of many types of cancer underlines the importance of lifestyle interventions. It is estimated that 30–40% of cancer can be prevented by coping with environmental and modifiable risk factors such as physical inactivity, smoking, poor eating habits and obesity. The same factors not only influence the risk of cancer development, but can also influence the progression, recurrence and mortality on cancer.
The results of the study show that the advantages of physical activity are durable. Five years after a cancer diagnosis, people who were physically active before their diagnosis had significantly lower cancer rates compared to the inactive people.
Dinesh Govender, CEO of Discovery Vitality, commented: “Our central purpose in Discovery Vitality is to improve and protect people’s lives, and this research supports the value of physical activity in cancer treatment. People who build up regular physical activity are more resistant, which is why we prioritize the incentive exercises through our programs. It is heartwarming to know that the work that we do with Discovery vitality makes a meaningful difference in improving the survival rates and the quality of life of cancer patients. “
Implications for public health
This research contributes to the growing proof that physical activity is an essential part of strategies for public health. By prescribing exercises, health service providers can help reduce cancer and improve the results for those in which the disease was diagnosed.
Discovery Vitality Champions initiatives that help individuals develop a habit of regular physical activity and to recognize its critical role in the prevention and treatment of diseases. The results of this study show how important it is to deal in cancer protocols and recommendations for public health.
In a further attempt to promote a healthy life, the vitality presented the results of a study in which they participated, which found a positive correlation between physical activity and the reduction of progression and the death of cancer. Some of the study authors who performed at the start of the “Big Five” cancer in South Africa in the spotlight – and dealt deeper into the complexity of cancer treatments and the role of movement in the fight against cancer. All in all, an revealing study that hopefully makes more people move their bodies. It is never too late to start! – – Kemong Mopedi, deputy editor
Read more: Can your VO2 Max really reduce your risk of death?
For individuals, this serves as a strong memory of the health benefits that can bring modest movements themselves.
** Wh partnership
