Exercise can help prevent cancer and reduce recurrence rates.
Regular exercise can reduce cancer risk and recurrence rate, and improve immunity and quality of life.
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According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Institute for Cancer Research, nearly 50% of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle choices, and exercise plays a vital role. For cancer patients in Hong Kong, adopting regular physical activity not only reduces the risk of recurrence but also improves quality of life and psychological well-being.
Basic Exercise Guidelines
The American Cancer Society recommends:
- At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling.
- Strength training 2–3 times per week, including exercises like squats, core training, or light weights.
These activities help maintain cardiovascular health, preserve muscle mass, regulate hormones, and support weight control.
Cancer-Preventive Effects of Exercise
Research shows:
- Regular physical activity lowers breast cancer risk by 14% and endometrial cancer risk by 47%.
- In cancers such as colorectal, prostate, and ovarian, exercise reduces recurrence risk and improves survival rates.
Additional Benefits
Beyond cancer prevention, exercise offers other health improvements:
- Better cardiovascular health
- Reduced fatigue, anxiety, and depression
- Prevention of osteoporosis
- For cancer survivors, exercise has been shown to enhance chemotherapy effectiveness and improve treatment tolerance, leading to greater overall well-being.
How Exercise Reduces Cancer Risk
- Decreases obesity and systemic inflammation
- Improves insulin sensitivity and reduces IGF-1, a tumor growth factor
- Regulates hormone balance
- Boosts immune activity, including NK cells and macrophages
- Stimulates secretion of Irisin, promoting cancer cell apoptosis
- Helps maintain telomere stability, slowing cellular aging
Precautions:
- Patients with severe anemia or low immunity should avoid strenuous activity or public gyms.
- Radiotherapy patients with skin sensitivity should avoid swimming.
- Those with chemotherapy ports should avoid heavy lifting.
- Patients with peripheral neuropathy may benefit more from cycling or floor-based exercises.
Exercise Recommendations for Cancer Patients
Safe, moderate-intensity activities are advised, such as:
- Brisk walking
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Stretching
- Yoga
Conclusion
For cancer patients in Hong Kong, exercise is more than a lifestyle choice—it is a key strategy in cancer prevention and recurrence reduction. By developing consistent exercise habits alongside a balanced diet and medical guidance, patients can significantly improve their health outcomes and quality of life.
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References
- American Cancer Society. (2020). Physical Activity and the Person with Cancer. https://www.cancer.org
- World Health Organization. (2021). Physical activity. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
- Friedenreich, C. M., & Cust, A. E. (2008). Physical activity and breast cancer risk: impact of timing, type and dose of activity and population subgroup effects. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 42(8), 636–647.
- Courneya, K. S., & Friedenreich, C. M. (2007). Physical activity and cancer control. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 23(4), 242–252.