Stronger bodies have stronger defenses.
Engaging in regular strength and cardio exercises can significantly improve cancer survival rates, even for those with advanced stages of the disease, according to a recent study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The review analyzed 42 previous studies involving nearly 47,000 cancer patients and concluded that better muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness reduced the risk of death by 31% to 46%.
The research, led by Robert Newton from Edith Cowan University in Australia, emphasized the critical role of physical fitness in improving outcomes for cancer patients. It suggested that tailored exercise programs could be a vital addition to cancer treatment plans. Each incremental improvement in muscle strength was associated with an 11% reduction in overall mortality risk, while increases in cardiovascular fitness reduced cancer-related deaths by 18%.
Even patients with advanced cancer experienced significant benefits. Enhanced strength and fitness levels lowered their risk of early death by 8% to 46%. The study also highlighted specific benefits for those with lung or gastrointestinal cancers, where improved fitness reduced mortality risk by 19% to 41%.
Researchers underscored the importance of using muscle strength as a clinical measure to assess mortality risks for cancer patients, particularly those in advanced stages. They advocated for incorporating muscle-strengthening activities into treatment to help extend life expectancy and improve overall quality of life.
This review shifts the focus from preventing cancer to enhancing survival outcomes for patients through exercise. The findings emphasize the transformative potential of physical fitness in complementing traditional cancer treatments and offer hope for improved survival rates across various cancer stages and types.
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