New study: How does regular physical activity before a stage 1 cancer diagnosis affect how the cancer progresses and the chances of survival?

Quick overview

Research conducted by Discovery Vitality, Discovery Health, Wits University, and the University of Western Ontario, analysed data from 28,248 Vitality members diagnosed between 2007 and 2022. Participants were grouped based on their activity levels before diagnosis: no activity, low activity (less than 60 minutes per week), and moderate to high activity (60 or more minutes per week). The findings revealed that those who were physically active had lower rates of cancer progression and mortality. Specifically, moderate to high activity levels were associated with a 27% lower risk of cancer progression and a 47% lower risk of death. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating exercise into cancer care guidelines.

Exercise as an accessible and cost-effective intervention for improving cancer outcomes

This research was conducted through a collaboration between Discovery Vitality and Discovery Health, Wits University, and the University of Western Ontario , using Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) and Discovery Vitality data .

The study is one of the largest to examine the association between physical activity and cancer outcomes. The study included 28,248 Vitality programme members with stage 1 cancer who were enrolled in the DHMS's Oncology programme​ and who had comprehensive physical activity data for the year preceding diagnosis available. The study spanned the period 2007 to 2022. Breast and prostate cancers were the most common cancers, comprising 44% of the study total.

The research highlights the potential of exercise as an accessible and cost-effective intervention for improving cancer outcomes. By measuring physical activity through fitness devices, logged gym attendance, and participation in organised fitness events, this observational study provides objective data on the benefits of physical activity in reducing cancer progression and mortality risk​.

Revealing key findings on physical activity and cancer survival

The study categorised participants into three groups based on their recorded physical activity levels in the 12 months before diagnosis:

• No recorded activity (62% of study participants)
• Low activity (less than 60 minutes per week, 13%)
• Moderate to high activity (60 or more minutes per week, 25%)​

Physically active members showed lower rates of cancer progression and lower rates of death from all causes. Also, there was a further risk reduction among those with moderate to high levels of physical activity compared with those with lower levels.

• Individuals who engaged in low levels of physical activity had a 16% lower risk of cancer progression and a 33% lower risk of mortality than those with no recorded activity.
• Those with moderate to high levels of physical activity had a 27% lower risk of cancer progression and a 47% lower risk of deaththan those with no recorded activity.

Two years after diagnosis, the probability of not experiencing cancer progression was:

• 74% for those with no physical activity (p<0.001),
• 78% for those with low activity (p<0.001),
• 80% for those with moderate to high activity (p<0.001).

The study's findings reveal that the benefits of physical activity extend long after diagnosis. Five years later, individuals who were physically active before being diagnosed had significantly lower rates of cancer progression than those who were inactive.

Five years after diagnosis, the probability of survival was:

• 84% for those with no physical activity (p<0.001),
• 90% for those with low activity (p<0.001),
• 91% for those with moderate to high activity​ (p<0.001).

Way forward: Exercise as a modifiable risk factor in cancer outcomes

The study suggests that even relatively small amounts of physical activity can positively influence cancer outcomes, reinforcing the importance of integrating exercise into cancer care guidelines.

Wits University outlines that the research published in BJSP is noteworthy in several ways:

• It represents one of the largest datasets globally that investigates the association between cancer prognosis and physical activity
• The cohort is the first to be studied outside of western medical centres/Global North
• The research represents a collaboration between a private health insurer (Discovery Health Medical Scheme) and academic institutions in South Africa (Wits University) and Canada (University of Western Ontario)
• Physical activity in the cancer patients was directly measured rather than self-reported.
• Moreover, with cancers being diagnosed earlier and an increasing incidence, accessible interventions that may positively influence prognosis are more relevant than ever.

Overall, this groundbreaking research demonstrates the importance of physical activity as a modifiable risk factor in cancer outcomes.

Researchers recommend:

• Integrating physical activity into public health guidelines and cancer treatment protocols
• Greater integration of exercise into cancer treatment plans, with healthcare professionals encouraging patients to maintain or increase moderate exercise levels both before and after a cancer diagnosis
• Further longitudinal research to explore the effects of post-diagnosis physical activity.

Discovery Health and Vitality continue to champion initiatives that encourage people to engage in regular exercise for overall health benefits, including - for those diagnosed with cancer - potentially lowering the risk of progression​ and mortality.

Additional reading:

• Read the full study, titled 'Association between recorded physical activity and cancer progression or mortality in individuals diagnosed with cancer in South Africa'
• Read Discovery Vitality's press release on this study, 'New Discovery Vitality research: Regular exercise preceding cancer diagnosis linked to lower likelihood of cancer progression and death'
• Read Wits University's press release on this study

Interested in knowing more or reporting on these findings?

Please contact us on MEDIA_RELATIONS_TEAM@discovery.co.za to request any updated data available since publication and to obtain any further context required.

Did you find this post interesting?

Please visit our Discovery Health Insights Hub for a range of analyses and insights shared by our Discovery Health Intelligence Team and spanning a variety of health-related themes.

Disclaimer