It is known by doctors and researchers that exercise can lengthen survival times, lower recurrence risk and improve cancer survivors quality of life significantly. Naturally researchers started to ask themselves, can physical activity be as beneficial as traditional medical treatment? With more research being published, we have continued to find that physical activity has a positive effect on cancer patients. Even 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walks is able to affect the patient’s health with various cancer types.

How can something so simple have this significant of an impact? For starters, exercise lowers inflammation in the body. Exercise makes it easier for the cells to use energy in the body properly, which can deter cancer cell growth. More proteins released by muscle cells are another potential reason exercise is so beneficial. When you exercise and strain muscles, they release proteins called myokines that have shown to lower cancer cell production, specifically in prostate cancer. Exercise affects the immune system as well, causing a production of cells designed to kill aberrant cells like cancer.

To maximize the effectiveness of exercise, you have to raise your heart rate. Consistency and intensity are key factors in effectiveness. Joining a workout class or planning a strict regimen is an ideal way to hold yourself accountable and to carve out time. Join our Motivation to Move group to discuss the many facets of exercise and cancer survivorship.

Workouts help to treat cancer and improve survival | Scientific American