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Linking Physical Activity to Breast Cancer Risk via Inflammation, Part 1: The Effect of Physical Activity on
Christopher T V Swain1, Ann E Drummond1, Roger L Milne1,2,3
1Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.
Summary
Regular physical activity may lower breast cancer risk by reducing inflammation. Exercise interventions significantly decreased key inflammatory markers like tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 in adult women.
Area of Science:
- Exercise science
- Inflammation research
- Oncology
Background:
- Physical activity is linked to reduced breast cancer incidence.
- Inflammation is a potential mediating pathway in this relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze evidence on physical activity's effects on inflammatory biomarkers in adult women.
- To assess the biological plausibility of the physical activity-inflammation-breast cancer pathway.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of Medline, EMBASE, and SPORTDiscus for intervention, Mendelian randomization, and cohort studies.
- Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine effect sizes.
- Risk of bias assessment and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) for evidence quality.
Main Results:
- Exercise interventions significantly reduced levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL6).
- Reductions were also observed for C-reactive protein (CRP) and leptin, though with lower certainty.
- Exercise did not significantly alter adiponectin levels, with high-quality evidence.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the hypothesis that physical activity influences breast cancer risk through modulation of inflammatory markers.
- Exercise demonstrates a moderate effect on key inflammatory biomarkers, supporting its role in cancer prevention.
- Further research may refine understanding of specific inflammatory pathways affected by exercise.
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