The role of physical activity in cancer prevention and progression
The role of physical activity in cancer prevention and progression
Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, while physical activity represents an important lifestyle factor that can reduce both cancer risk and its impact. Improving physical fitness also plays a central role in prehabilitation, an approach in which (oncological) patients enhance their overall condition prior to surgery in order to improve postoperative outcomes.
This thesis of Mylena Bos investigated how physical activity influences the risk of developing cancer and outcomes after diagnosis, with a focus on colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer. Higher levels of physical activity were associated with a lower risk of pancreatic cancer, but not with lower mortality after diagnosis. At the same time, an analysis of all cancer types combined showed that patients who met the Dutch physical activity guidelines prior to diagnosis had a lower risk of death compared to inactive patients, independent of the stage at which the disease was diagnosed. Finally, the effects of physical activity on tumor biology in colorectal and pancreatic cancer were examined, suggesting that physical activity may exert direct anti-tumor effects.
These findings demonstrate the importance of promoting physical activity, both for cancer prevention and after diagnosis to improve outcomes. In this context, prehabilitation represents a valuable strategy to support lifestyle improvement and to promote long-term healthy behavior among cancer patients.