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Cited by 699Cancer Risks and FactorsPhysical Activity and HealthMetabolism, Diabetes, and Cancer

Physical activity and cancer prevention: etiologic evidence and biological mechanisms

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Friedenreich, Christine M., Orenstein, Marla R.·2002·The Journal of Nutrition
DOI 10.1093/jn/132.11.3456s
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Abstract

Scientific evidence is accumulating on physical activity as a means for the primary prevention of cancer. Nearly 170 observational epidemiologic studies of physical activity and cancer risk at a number of specific cancer sites have been conducted. The evidence for decreased risk with increased physical activity is classified as convincing for breast and colon cancers, probable for prostate cancer, possible for lung and endometrial cancers and insufficient for cancers at all other sites. Despite the large number of studies conducted on physical activity and cancer, most have been hampered by incomplete assessment of physical activity and a lack of full examination of effect modification and confounding. Several plausible hypothesized biological mechanisms exist for the association between physical activity and cancer, including changes in endogenous sexual and metabolic hormone levels and growth factors, decreased obesity and central adiposity and possibly changes in immune function. Weight control may play a particularly important role because links between excess weight and increased cancer risk have been established for several sites, and central adiposity has been particularly implicated in promoting metabolic conditions amenable to carcinogenesis. Based on existing evidence, some public health organizations have issued physical activity guidelines for cancer prevention, generally recommending at least 30 min of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity on > or =5 d/wk. Although most research has focused on the efficacy of physical activity in cancer prevention, evidence is increasing that exercise also influences other aspects of the cancer experience, including cancer detection, coping, rehabilitation and survival after diagnosis.

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  • Evidence from observational epidemiologic studies consistently shows that higher levels of physical activity are associated with a lower risk of colon, postmenopausal breast, and endometrial cancer.

    “Evidence from observational epidemiologic studies consistently shows that higher levels of physical activity are associated with a lower risk of colon, postmenopausal breast, and endometrial cancer (17,36,37).”

    From Diabetes and Cancer (2010) · cites this paper as [37]

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Authors
Friedenreich, C. M., & Orenstein, M. R.
Corresponding author
Friedenreich, Christine M.
ORCID
Friedenreich, Christine M.
Venue
The Journal of Nutrition
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2002-11
Volume
132
Issue
11
Pages
3456S-3464S
ISSN
0022-3166 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1093/jn/132.11.3456s
OpenAlex
W1947113137
Cited by
699
References
171
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 20 · 2020: 23 · 2019: 27 · 2018: 20 · 2017: 35 · 2016: 41 · 2015: 30 · 2014: 31 · 2013: 39 · 2012: 38
FWCI
2.02
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of Nutrition (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Mead Johnson Nutrition
  • California Dried Plum Board
  • Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer Risks and Factors
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Physical Activity and Health
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Metabolism, Diabetes, and Cancer
Keywords
physical activity, cancer prevention, cancer risk, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, endometrial cancer, obesity, abdominal obesity, hormone levels, growth factors, immune function, weight management, physical activity guidelines
MeSH terms
Breast Neoplasms, Colonic Neoplasms, Female, Humans, Lung Neoplasms, Male, Neoplasms, Prostatic Neoplasms, Risk Factors, Exercise, Endometrial Neoplasms

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