Regular physical activity dramatically reduces the risk of cancer - study

Exercising every day is important not only for general health, but also in the fight against dangerous tumors. This was revealed by the results of a large-scale study conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). According to The Guardian, scientists have managed to scientifically confirm the effect of physical exercise on patients with cancer.

A total of 889 patients with colon cancer from different countries - the USA, Britain, France, Canada, Australia and Israel - participated in the study. 90 percent of the participants had stage 3 cancer, that is, at this stage the risk of the disease is high. They were randomly divided into two main groups.

While patients in the first group received only general information and recommendations, participants in the second group were given a special program developed by a separate trainer. According to this program, patients worked directly with a specialist twice a month, and then received theoretical and practical help once. The training mainly consisted of regular walking for 45-60 minutes 3-4 times a week, but participants were also able to vary the type of exercise they did. These included skiing, running, and cycling.

The results of the study were surprisingly positive. Patients who chose a physically active lifestyle had a 28 percent lower risk of cancer recurrence or new tumors after five years compared to patients in the first group. The results of the eight-year follow-up were even more striking: the physically active group had a 37 percent lower risk of death than the control group.

Evaluating the results of the study, Stephen Powis, the head of the National Health Service of England, emphasized that physical activity can not only control weight, but also strengthen immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve overall human health. In his opinion, a healthy lifestyle significantly reduces the risk of recurrence of the disease.

Until now, there has been insufficient scientifically confirmed data on the benefits of exercise for patients with cancer, says Julia Grelow, ASCO medical advisor. This study has proven for the first time that physical exercise is highly effective. At the same time, it can sometimes give better results than drugs, and the lack of negative effects of this method makes it even more valuable.

These conclusions of doctors can open the door to great hope and new opportunities for patients with cancer. Scientists and medical specialists now plan to continue work on further expanding such studies and their wider implementation in practice. This could allow millions of people to improve their quality of life and life expectancy.