Biochemistry

The Association Between Physical Activity and Cancer Prevention, Recovery, and Recurrence: a Narrative Review

Authors: Shazia Tahira
Comments: 23 Pages. DOI: 10.61838/kman.hn.1.4.7

Cancer is the first most common cause of mortality in the United Kingdom and, after cardiovascular diseases, the second most common cause of mortality globally, accounting for around one in six deaths worldwide. The gravity of this situation highlights the need to find effective ways for prevention and adequate recovery from cancer. Physical activity includes all energy-consuming bodily movements that are produced using skeletal muscles. One in four, or 28%, adults do not engage in adequate physical activity. Physical inactivity is currently the fourth major risk factor for mortality worldwide. Around one-third of deaths from cancer are caused by inadequate physical activity and diet-related factors. Physical activity is associated with both cancer risk and survival for several cancer types; therefore, for controlling cancer, the role of physical activity may be crucial. In this study, a narrative review is presented about physical activity and its association with cancer prevention, recovery, and recurrence. Participation in adequate physical activity is linked to a decreased risk of various cancer types such as breast, endometrial, kidney/renal, colon, rectal, liver, lung, bladder, head and neck cancer, gastric cardia, esophageal adenocarcinoma, myeloma, myeloid leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma; furthermore, it aids cancer patients of all ages in recovery by reducing the cancer treatment side effects, improving physical fitness, mental health, and quality of life; and additionally, decreases the risk of cancer recurrence after remission. Physical activity impacts cellular processes and tumor growth by controlling body weight and metabolic variables, enhancing mitochondrial and immune function, controlling genomic instability, releasing myokines, and regulating several hormones and circulating biomarkers such as insulin and bile acid. Combining physical activity and therapy is not frequent in real-world settings. Physical symptoms such as pain and fatigue, lack of motivation, lack of time, and lack of exercise information are the major hindrances to physical activity. Therefore, personalized physical activity goals are recommended for all ages, such as active play for children with cancer. In conclusion, an increase in all types of physical activity in all domains of life in the general population and cancer patients according to the recommended guidelines or adapted according to the individual needs of patients can significantly contribute to reducing the burden of cancer and improving overall well-being. Furthermore, there is a need for future studies exploring different domains, various specific types of physical activity, and the association of physical activity with specific cancer sites, with currently limited studies.
Category: Biochemistry