(NaturalHealth365)  A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals those who remain physically active enjoy more health benefits than previously thought.  In fact, the study’s results show that exercise helps stop cancer progression.

Moreover, exercisers also reduce the risk of death after a cancer diagnosis.  As we follow developments in cancer research, these results are particularly encouraging for patients looking for ways to take control of their health journey.

Physical activity before cancer diagnosis may reduce disease progression

Physical activity before a cancer diagnosis appears to significantly reduce the risk of cancer progression and death.  This finding is particularly important since cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide.  While the study was conducted exclusively in South Africa, it analyzed data from 28,000 patients with stage 1 cancer.

The researchers performed a retrospective, longitudinal study using anonymous data from South Africa’s Discovery Health Medical Scheme healthcare plan.  Participants were members of the Vitality health promotion program, which tracked their exercise through wearable fitness devices and gym attendance records.

The study focused on individuals diagnosed with stage 1 cancer who had been enrolled in the Vitality program for a full year before their diagnosis.  The researchers also conducted additional analysis that excluded certain types of cancer known to affect exercise levels before diagnosis.

Participants were divided into three groups based on their exercise levels: those who didn’t exercise at all, those who exercised between one and 59 minutes weekly, and those who engaged in moderate-to-high levels of exercise (an hour or more per week).

The powerful impact of weekly exercise on cancer

Researchers analyzed the effects of physical activity among skin, breast, and prostate cancer patients, finding clear results. Physically active patients showed a 27% reduction in cancer progression, while those who maintained moderate to high levels of weekly exercise were 47% less likely to die.

Even patients in the “low” exercise group saw real benefits.  These individuals had a 16% reduction in cancer progression and were one-third less likely to die compared to those who didn’t exercise at all.

The study found its strongest results when looking at outcomes two years after diagnosis.  Patients who kept up moderate-to-high exercise levels in the year before diagnosis had an 80% chance of avoiding death or cancer progression, compared to a 74% chance for non-exercisers.

Tips to incorporate exercise into your weekly routine

One hour of exercise per week could lower your chances of cancer progression.  Since sitting too much raises cancer risk, getting moving matters – and there’s no better time to start than now.

The key is starting where you are and listening to your body.  Start with activities you feel comfortable doing, even if that’s just a 5-minute walk around your home.  You can break up your hour into smaller chunks, trying 10-15 minutes a few times weekly.  Remember to rest when needed and gradually build up your activity level.

Choose activities that work for your current situation.  Walking in your neighborhood, gentle stretching, or basic yoga poses are great options to start.  Light resistance exercises using body weight or small hand weights can help maintain strength.  Swimming or water walking puts less stress on your joints, while a stationary bike or elliptical provides low-impact cardio.  Even simple activities like marching in place while watching TV count toward your weekly movement goals.

Remember that any movement counts.  Whether walking around your home, doing gentle stretches, or playing with a pet, finding ways to stay active that work for you can make a real difference in your cancer journey.  The goal isn’t to run marathons – it’s to keep your body moving in whatever way feels right for you.

Sources for this article include:

BMJ.com
Medicalnewstodaay.com