Tumors: Regular physical activity reduces the risk of cancer death by 31%, according to a study.

In Italy, 35% of the population never participates in any form of sport or physical activity. In total, sedentary people number over 20.6 million men and women of all ages . This data is of concern to Italian oncologists, given the significant impact of lack of exercise on cancer. Regular physical activity, in fact, reduces the risk of cancer death by 31% . Furthermore, it reduces the risk of cancer development by up to 20% compared to those who are more sedentary. The cancers most affected by lack of exercise are those of the breast, bladder, colon, endometrium, kidney, stomach, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. This is what emerged on the second day of the 27th National Congress of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM), currently underway in Rome.

The benefits of sport

" Sports positively impacts various pathogenetic mechanisms of many of the most common cancers ," emphasizes Massimo Di Maio, president-elect of AIOM. "For example, a recent study published in 'Jama Oncology' highlighted how regular exercise can protect against very insidious tumors, such as those of the digestive system. Closely linked to a sedentary lifestyle is another significant cancer risk factor: obesity. This condition now affects over 11% of Italian residents. Reducing the impact of cancer can also occur through a serious fight against extremely harmful behaviors. Physical activity, if performed regularly, brings enormous benefits to the individual but also to the entire community. This is why it should be promoted more widely among the entire population, as it can significantly reduce the impact of tumors."

The Amerigo Vespucci's "Mediterranean Tour" was a prime example of the effectiveness of citizen awareness initiatives. AIOM, the AIOM Foundation, and AIRC, along with the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM), were present at the "Village in Italy" at five stops during the initiative, which took the Italian Navy Training Ship to ports across Italy. Doctors provided visitors with practical advice, while volunteers distributed informational materials. According to estimates provided by the Ministry of Defense, this prevention campaign generated an economic return of €15 million.

"Thousands of citizens were reached, and we explained the importance of following a healthy lifestyle and undergoing screening ," emphasized Saverio Cinieri, president of the Aiom Foundation. "In addition to the positive economic results, men and women were raised on how to avoid cancer by following a few simple rules. In addition to regular physical activity, it is essential to not smoke, limit alcohol consumption, monitor body weight, and follow a healthy, balanced diet. Promoting public health is a priority for our scientific community. We intend to continue with similar initiatives, seeking support from local and national institutions. Screening programs for the early diagnosis of breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers should also be encouraged. Therefore, the new financial resources provided by the latest Budget Law to extend coverage of mammography and fecal occult blood tests are very welcome. However, for years, screening participation rates have been insufficient, especially in some areas of the country. Here too, raising public awareness can truly make a difference and increase participation in screenings." life-saving".

Sports in cancer patients

Physical activity, experts point out, also benefits cancer patients and should therefore be encouraged more . Currently, however, only 4% of patients are sufficiently active and follow specialist recommendations. "Scientific research in recent years has highlighted the importance of exercise not only in primary prevention but also in tertiary prevention," concludes Andrea Antonuzzo, head of Medical Oncology 4, Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care and Support at the National Cancer Institute in Milan. "For our patients, the benefits range from strengthening the cardiovascular system to overall improvement in muscle strength and bone density. A little exercise can also counteract some of the side effects associated with cancer treatments and improve quality of life by improving psychological well-being. We recommend it to our patients, and this year we have decided to set a good example ourselves by participating in #Oncorun2025," a project promoted by AIOM together with the Italian Network for Supportive Care in Oncology (NICSO).

"It's an initiative in which oncologists, doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers from oncology departments took to the streets to run," Antonuzzo concludes. "Videos and photos of the outdoor physical activity were then posted on social media to spread a message of promotion of primary and tertiary cancer prevention. Oncorun began last September and concludes during the AIOM National Congress in Rome. Hundreds of healthcare workers participated throughout Italy."