Chapter 8 Flashcards

Chapter Overview: Cancers

• Focus on the relationship between physical activity and cancer.

• Key topics include definitions, prevalence, mechanisms, guidelines, and survivorship.

Learning Objectives

• Define cancer and types influenced by physical activity.

• Discuss prevalence rates of activity-affectable cancers.

• Examine how physical activity may lower cancer risk.

• Understand physical activity guidelines for cancer prevention.

• Explore physical activity's role in cancer survivorship.

Understanding Cancer

Definition

• Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled abnormal cell growth and proliferation.

• Unique types exist, each with different risks and prognoses.

Key Insights

• Different cancers can recur or metastasize to other organs.

• Some are more treatable with early diagnosis, while others may be rapidly fatal.

• Evidence supports physical activity in improving cancer prognoses and quality of life for cancer patients.

Prevalence of Cancers

Risk Factors

• Cancers can be idiopathic, and multiple risk factors exist, including:

  • Internal Factors: heredity, immune dysfunction, metabolism.

  • External Factors: behavior (smoking, sedentary lifestyle), environmental exposure.

Evidence of Physical Activity

• Regular physical activity helps prevent colon and breast cancer.

• Recent studies link physical activity to reduced risks in several cancers including bladder, endometrial, esophageal, kidney, and stomach cancers.

Cancer Statistics

• Cancers were responsible for 23% of all deaths in the U.S. as of 2015.

• CDC: estimated 1,620 cancer deaths daily.

• In 2018, cancer caused an estimated 9.6 million deaths globally, projected to rise.

• Link between lifestyle factors (obesity, inactivity, poor diet, smoking) and cancer risk.

Economic Burden of Cancer

• Direct medical costs in 2015 were estimated at $80.2 billion in the U.S.

• The burden encompasses healthcare costs and lost productivity.

Cancer Risk Factors

Modifiable Risk Factors

• Physical Inactivity: associated with several cancers.

• Obesity: increased BMI correlates with risk.

• Tobacco Use: significant risk factor, contributing to lung cancer deaths.

• Poor Nutrient Intake: low nutrient diets increase cancer risks.

• Sun Exposure: excessive exposure raises skin cancer risk.

Nonmodifiable Risk Factors

• Age: cancer risk increases with age (most over 55).

• Heredity: genetic predispositions impact risk.

• Sex: certain cancers are sex-specific (e.g., prostate, breast).

Kinesiology and Cancer

• Significant research connects physical activity to reduced cancer incidence. Studies show a clear inverse relationship, demonstrating that increased physical activity correlates with lower cancer risks, notably for breast and colon cancers.

Mechanisms of Action

Proposed Mechanisms

• Changes in body composition and adiposity improve key health markers.

Direct Physiological Effects

• Improve insulin sensitivity and sex hormone levels that affect cancer risk.

• Physical activity can lower colon transit time, reducing carcinogen exposure.

Screening for Early Diagnosis

Importance

• Early detection through screening can prevent some cancers.

• Regular screenings are advised for cancers like cervix, breast, and colon.

Physical Activity Among Cancer Survivors

Importance of Activity

• Cancer survivors engaging in physical activity benefit from improved strength, fitness, and quality of life.

• Health benefits observed include reduced fatigue and enhanced physical function.

Physical Activity Guidelines for Cancer Prevention

Recommendations

• Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity weekly.

• Strength training is advised for major muscle groups twice weekly.

Chapter Wrap-Up

• Cancers arise from complex interactions of risk factors, and physical activity can mitigate risks for several types.

• Survivors benefit significantly from regular physical activity which also aids in preventing new conditions.