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Review
. 2021 Jan 12;55(1):7-17.
doi: 10.2478/raon-2020-0063.

Physical activity and cancer risk. Actual knowledge and possible biological mechanisms

Mihaela Jurdana  1
Affiliations
Review

Physical activity and cancer risk. Actual knowledge and possible biological mechanisms

Mihaela Jurdana. Radiol Oncol. .

Abstract

Background: Scientific evidence has shown that an increase in regular physical activity is associated with a decrease in the development of many types of cancer. Potential mechanisms that link physical activity to reduced cancer risk include a decrease in systemic inflammation, hyperinsulinemia, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), sex hormones, pro-inflammatory leptin and other obesity-related cytokines, and a significant increase in anti-inflammatory adiponectin levels. In addition, physical activity improves immune function and the composition and diversity of the gastrointestinal microbiota. Moderate physical activity is important for cancer protection, but the most significant changes in the inflammatory profile are conferred by physical activity performed at higher intensities. Thus, there is a need for further investigation into the type, intensity, and duration of physical activity for the prevention of some types of cancer and the development of effective recommendations.

Conclusions: There is a strong evidence that physical activity of moderate to vigorous intensity protects against colon and breast cancer, and probably against cancer at all other sites.

Keywords: biological mechanisms; cancer; physical activity; pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Levels of physical activity intensity (sedentary behaviour, low, moderate and vigorous or high).
Figure 2
Figure 2
The effects of physical activity on cancer prevention. Moderate to vigorous physical activity improves immune function, total antioxidant capacity, increases SHBG production and anti-inflammatory plasma adiponectin and improves gut microbiota composition. In addition, moderate to vigorous physical activity decreases systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, reduces adipose tissue and hyperinsulinemia, decreases inflammatory hormone leptin and regulates sex hormone levels.
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