Key points from article :
A new study led by Edith Cowan University in Australia suggests that muscular strength and good physical fitness could nearly halve the risk of death in cancer patients. Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the research analysed data from nearly 47,000 patients with various cancer types and stages. The findings indicate that individuals with higher muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness had a 31-46% lower risk of death from any cause. This effect was particularly significant for patients with advanced-stage cancer and those with lung or digestive cancers. The researchers suggest that muscle-strengthening activities could be incorporated into clinical care to improve survival rates.
A second study, also published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, highlights the combined benefits of maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly in reducing cancer risk. Funded by the World Cancer Research Fund, the study analysed data from over 315,000 people and found that those who combined physical activity with a slimmer waistline had a significantly lower cancer risk than those who focused on only one of these factors. Experts emphasize that a holistic lifestyle—incorporating a healthy diet, weight management, and regular exercise—is crucial for cancer prevention.
In a separate initiative, Cancer Research UK announced a £10 million investment in AI-driven tools to improve early cancer detection. The five-year program aims to predict an individual's cancer risk, allowing for more personalized screening and prevention strategies. This could lead to earlier interventions for high-risk individuals while reducing unnecessary tests for those at lower risk.
