This study reviews and updates evidence on the relationship between physical activity and cancer risk, as well as mortality in cancer patients based on the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report.
The research, which analyzed 45 reports encompassing millions of participants, found strong evidence linking higher levels of physical activity to reduced risks of several types of cancer, with relative risk reductions of 10 to 20 percent. Additionally, the study identified moderate to limited associations between increased physical activity and decreased all-cause and cancer-specific mortality in those with breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer patients, with risk reductions of up to 40 to 50 percent.
Overall, the findings suggest that the physical activity levels recommended in the 2018 guidelines are associated with reduced cancer risk and improved survival rates for several types of cancers, though more research is needed to explore these relationships further.