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Workshop report: physical activity and cancer prevention
L D Marrett1, B Theis, F D Ashbury
1Division of Preventive Oncology, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2L7, Canada. Loraine.marrett@cancercare.on.ca.
Chronic Diseases in Canada
|February 15, 2001
Summary
Regular physical activity is convincingly linked to preventing colon cancer and probably to preventing breast cancer. Public health guidelines recommend 30-45 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity most days for cancer prevention.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Preventive Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- A workshop convened by Cancer Care Ontario in March 2000 aimed to evaluate the evidence linking physical activity to cancer prevention.
- The workshop focused on identifying priorities for action in the primary prevention of cancer.
- A comprehensive review of scientific evidence was commissioned, and an expert panel was assembled.
Framework:
- The expert panel assessed the evidence for physical activity's role in cancer prevention.
- Conclusions were drawn regarding the strength of evidence for various cancer sites.
- Recommendations were formulated for public health, research, and intervention strategies.
Implementation:
- Evidence was deemed convincing for colon cancer prevention through physical activity.
- Evidence was considered probable for breast cancer and possible for prostate cancer.
- Insufficient evidence was found for other cancer sites.
Implications:
- Public health messages should promote at least 30-45 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days for cancer prevention.
- Future research should include comprehensive assessments of physical activity, biological mechanisms, and behavioral/population factors.
- Cancer Care Ontario will integrate physical activity recommendations into its primary cancer prevention programs focusing on nutrition and healthy body weight.