Research

Mixed

Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) is associated with increased all-cause and cancer-specific mortality in breast cancer patients, while higher physical activity post-diagnosis is associated with significantly lower recurrence and mortality risks.

If you have breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer, maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active are critical for your survival. Aim for at least 9 MET-hours per week of activity (e.g., 3 hours of moderate walking). This can cut your risk of death by half compared to being sedentary. Avoid obesity, as it increases mortality risk by 33%.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Protani and colleagues (7) reported a modest, but statistically significant and clinically relevant increase in all-cause and breast cancer–specific mortality in obese versus nonobese women [HR, 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), (1.21–1.47) and 1.33 (1.19–1.50), respectively]... women who engage in >9 MET-h/wk of physical activity... had a 50% lower risk of breast cancer death, and all-cause mortality, than women who were inactive
Wendy Demark‐Wahnefried et al. · Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention · 2012

Why this rating

Based on large meta-analyses and prospective cohort studies, though randomized trials for physical activity are noted as lacking.

Source

The Role of Obesity in Cancer Survival and Recurrence

Wendy Demark‐Wahnefried et al. · Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention · 2012

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