Tumors: with regular physical activity the risk of dying and getting sick decreases

The numbers leave no doubt, but most people struggle to assimilate the lesson: the more time you spend sitting, the greater the risk of getting cancer and, for those who have already had a diagnosis, to have a relapse and die from it. «Among the good resolutions for the new year we should all include, as a priority, that of moving more – he urges Massimo Di Maio, president of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (Aiom) -. In Italy 35% of the population never practices any form of sport or physical activity: over 20 million 600 thousand men and women of all age groups are sedentary. A very worrying fact, given that a sedentary lifestyle has a significant impact on tumors. In fact, doing regular physical activity reduces the risk of death from cancer by 31%.or. Furthermore, it reduces the onset of a neoplasm by up to 20%. compared to those who don’t exercise regularly.”

Sport as anti-cancer medicine

By now, many scientific studies, conducted on millions of people, have shown how regularly practicing sport helps prevent and cure over 40 of the most widespread diseases in the worldincluding several types of cancer. And to heal more quickly and to significantly reduce the risk of relapses, even in the case of serious diseases such as tumors. «The tumors most affected by poor movement are those at breast, bladder, colon, endometrium, esophageal adenocarcinoma, kidney and stomach – explains Rossana Berardi, president-elect of Aiom –. Closely linked to a sedentary lifestyle there is also another considerable oncological risk factor such as‘obesity, a condition that now concerns us beyond 11% of citizens and unfortunately more and more children in our country.” Excess kilos are a problem that affects about a third of the world’s population and causes millions of deaths every year, 40 percent of which in people who were “only” overweight and not obese. Deaths due mainly to cardiovascular diseases, but also to tumors.”
«L’physical activity, if carried out regularlybrings enormous benefits to the individual person but also to the entire community – adds Berardi -. For this reason it should be promoted more among the entire population because it can allow a significant reduction in the impact of tumors.”

Between 150 and 300 minutes of movement per week

According to experts, three small measures are often enough to keep fit and actually do something useful: taking the time to walking outdoorsat a good pace, at least 30 minutes a day for 5 days; get organized with easy home gymnastics exercises through the numerous courses available on the web; if possible always take the stairshome or office, avoiding taking the elevator. «The American Cancer Society recently updated the guidelines for cancer prevention, doubling the time to dedicate to the movement – he comments Saverio Cinieri, director of the Medical Oncology and Breast Unit of the Perrino Hospital in Brindisi -: urges adults to practice between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity or between 75 and 150 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week. Previous guidelines recommended up to 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or up to 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week.”

Physical activity is also valuable for the sick

In 2025 there were approximately 390 thousand new cancer diagnoses in Italy.
«In addition to regular physical activity, a few simple rules are enough to limit the chances of getting sick: it is essential do not smoke, limit alcohol consumption, keep your body weight under control and follow a healthy and balanced diet».
Finally, physical activity also brings benefits to cancer patients and therefore should be more encouraged. Currently though only 4% of patients are sufficiently active and follow the recommendations of specialists. «Scientific research in recent years has highlighted how important movement is not only in primary prevention but also in tertiary prevention – he concludes Andrea Antonuzzo, responsible for Medical Oncology 4, Internal and Geriatric Supportive Care at the National Cancer Institute of Milan -. For our patients the benefits range from strengthening of the cardiovascular systemand to a general improvement in muscle strength and bone densityto. A bit of sport can also counteract some of the side effects linked to anti-tumor therapies and improve the quality of life by intervening on psychological well-being.”

December 31, 2025

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