Inside Exercise cover image

Inside Exercise

Exercise and cancer with Dr Kathryn Schmitz

Aug 6, 2022
Dr Kathryn Schmitz, a world leading cancer researcher, discusses various topics related to exercise and cancer. They cover the association between lifestyle factors and cancer, the positive effects of exercise during cancer treatment, the history of exercise oncology, the link between exercise and cancer, optimal exercise guidelines for cancer patients, the concept of pre-habilitation for cancer surgery, the influence of sex differences on cancer types, and the role of genetics in cancer and exercise.
57:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Regular exercise reduces the risk of developing common cancers by 10% to 20%, independent of obesity and sedentary behavior.
  • Exercise during cancer treatment enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improves patient outcomes.

Deep dives

Exercise and its Benefits in Cancer Prevention

Regular exercise has been found to have several positive effects on cancer prevention. According to leading cancer researcher Catherine Schmitz, exercise reduces the likelihood of developing multiple common cancers, including breast, bladder, colon, endometrial, esophageal, renal, and gastric cancers. This reduction in risk ranges from 10% to 20%. The protective effects of exercise are independent of obesity and sedentary behavior. Exercise has a profound impact on insulin levels and inflammation, influencing the quality of fat and muscle tissues, which are key factors in cancer development. Moreover, exercise increases insulin sensitivity, leading to a lower likelihood of cancer incidence. While genetic predisposition plays a role in cancer development, exercise has been shown to reduce mortality and improve outcomes in individuals who have been sedentary and have had cancer. Furthermore, exercise is beneficial for pre-habilitation, improving function and outcomes prior to cancer treatment, and reducing hospitalization and pain following surgery. Lifelong exercise is ideal, but individuals who start exercising after a sedentary lifestyle can still benefit from significant reductions in cancer-related mortality. There is a need for healthcare providers to prioritize exercise as part of cancer prevention and treatment strategies, especially given its wide range of positive effects.

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