Tabaczynski A et al. Support Care Cancer 2020; 28: 43. doi:10.1007/s00520-019-04752-x

“If findings from this study are replicated, fracture prevention programs for survivors might include referrals for physical activity with cancer exercise professionals and for smoking cessation programs.” medwireNews is an independent medical news service provided by Springer Healthcare Ltd. © 2022 Springer Healthcare Ltd, part of the Springer Nature Group JAMA Oncol 2022; doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2022.5153

They continue: “Health systems and health care professionals should focus on evidence-based preventive services recommended by the USPSTF, including controlling high blood pressure and behavioral counseling to encourage physical activity and a healthy diet.” medwireNews is an independent medical news service provided by Springer Healthcare Ltd. © 2022 Springer Healthcare Ltd, part of the Springer Nature Group JAMA 2022; 327 : 2326–2333 JAMA 2022; 327 : 2334–2347 JAMA 2022; 327 : 2294–2295

Find out more about the recommendations on exercise, diet, and weight management here

Multivariable analysis adjusting for a raft of factors such as age, ethnicity, geographic region, smoking status, and physical activity showed that each 0.05 increase in the waist-to-hip ratio was associated with a 7% increased risk for death from prostate cancer.

Therapeutic exercise and increased physical activity can help to enhance the synthesis of muscle protein, reducing inflammation and the catabolic effects of cachexia syndrome.

Early, structured exercise reduces upper limb disability and improves physical quality of life compared with usual care among women at risk for postoperative complications following breast cancer surgery, UK PROSPER study data show.

She notes that “while not powered to examine overall survival, like the Movember Foundation’s Intense Exercise for Survival Among Men With Metastatic Prostate Cancer (INTERVAL-GAP4) trial, the ERASE trial does empower patients with [prostate cancer] on [active surveillance] to be in better physical, functional, and psychological shape for any future medical interventions they may need.” medwireNews is an independent medical news service provided by Springer Healthcare Ltd. © 2021 Springer Healthcare Ltd, part of the Springer Nature Group JAMA Oncol 2021; doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.3067 JAMA Oncol 2021; doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.3065

Hormonal factors, reduced physical activity, more lethal or aggressive disease behavior, metabolic syndromes, and potential undertreatment in patients with obesity are possible reasons.”

“An alternative explanation may be that higher circulating glucose levels may be a marker of other processes, such as metabolic syndrome or a lack of physical activity, both of which have been shown to be correlated with poor clinical outcomes in some studies.”

Leisure-time physical activity reduces risk of 13 kinds of cancer, including lung, esophageal, liver, bladder and breast [3].

Of note, the authors report that the chronic disease-associated increased risk for incident cancer and death could be attenuated by physical activity by an average of 48% and 27%, respectively.

The commentators add that the results “are an important reminder that weight loss and/or weight control programs must always incorporate physical activity with the goal of not just reducing adiposity, but maintaining and increasing muscle mass, which would not only reduce the risk of death, but also help improve quality of life after a cancer diagnosis.”

Most notably, these included metabolic insults such as severe calorie restriction (220–800 kcal/day) with protein and micronutrient deficiencies; physical and chemical factors including cold, overcrowding, and exposure to known carcinogens; infections such as hepatitis B and C, human papillomavirus, and Helicobacter pylori ; intense and strenuous physical activity; physical and emotional abuse; and psychological responses to stressors (eg, anxiety and sleep deprivation).