“🏃♂️Move More, Live Better: How Physical Activity Fights Cancer”
- rajivmohannannapan
- May 13
- 2 min read
We all know that exercise is good for the heart and helps with weight management. But did you know that regular physical activity can help prevent cancer—and even improve outcomes after a diagnosis?
Whether it’s a brisk walk, dancing, gardening, or yoga—movement matters.
💡 Can Exercise Really Help Prevent Cancer?
Emerging research suggests that regular physical activity may lower the risk of several common cancers, including:
Breast cancer
Colorectal cancer
Endometrial cancer
Bladder and prostate cancer
👉 How does it help?
Reduces inflammation
Improves immune function
Balances hormones (like estrogen and insulin)
Regulates metabolism and body weight
A large review by McTiernan et al. (2019) shows that individuals with higher physical activity levels tend to have lower cancer incidence, although more research is needed to prove causation definitively1.
🪑 The Danger of Sitting Too Much
On the flip side, a sedentary lifestyle—long hours of sitting or lying down with minimal activity—is associated with:
Increased cancer risk
Higher chances of chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease)
Shorter life expectancy
Even if you’re not overweight, prolonged inactivity can be harmful.
🧘♀️ Exercise During and After Cancer Treatment
✅ Is it safe? Absolutely.Studies show that exercise after cancer treatment can:
Reduce fatigue, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems
Improve quality of life and physical strength
Help reduce recurrence risk in some cancers
In breast cancer survivors, physical activity was associated with a 42% lower risk of death from all causes, and a 40% lower risk of dying specifically from breast cancer2.
Similar benefits are seen in survivors of colorectal and prostate cancer.
⏱️ How Much Exercise Do You Need?
According to the World Health Organization and American Cancer Society:
Aim for 150–300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week (e.g., walking, swimming, cycling)OR
75–150 minutes of vigorous activity (e.g., jogging, aerobics)
💪 Also include strength or resistance training (like yoga, weights, or resistance bands) 2 days/week to maintain muscle and balance.
📌 Takeaway
You don’t need to run a marathon. Just get moving, regularly.
📍 At Dr. Rajiv Cancer Clinic, we don’t just treat cancer—we empower you with lifestyle guidance to help you heal better, live longer, and stay stronger.
– Dr. Rajiv Mohan, Medical Oncologist
📚 References:
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