According to three recent studies presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, 30 minutes of walking a day and gentle yoga practice can reduce the risk of cancer to other parts of the body. It may reduce metastasis and prevent recurrence.

A sedentary lifestyle is a known risk factor for cancer, which affects more than 18 million people worldwide each year. Previous studies have emphasized the importance of physical activity in reducing cancer risk.

The first study, led by the University of Rochester Medical Center, enrolled more than 500 cancer patients and focused on the effects of yoga on inflammation. Inflammation is a key feature of cancer, promoting and inhibiting tumor growth and may contribute to metastasis. Patients who have been treated for cancer between 2 months and 5 years can participate in a 75-minute "Hatha Yoga" session designed specifically for cancer survivors or participate in a twice-weekly health education class. Participated. Four weeks later, blood tests showed significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the yoga group than in the other groups. The study authors concluded that yoga appeared to reduce inflammation in cancer survivors and recommended that yoga be considered for inflammation that may reduce the risk of progression, recurrence, and secondary cancers. 

 Lead researcher Karen Mustian stressed the importance of helping physicians recommend yoga to cancer patients and find community resources to participate in yoga. She said doctors used to recommend bed rest for cancer patients, but now most doctors recommend exercise, she said. 

 A second study included 173 of her participants aged 60 and older and examined the effects of yoga on fatigue and quality of life. Participants took 75-minute yoga or health education classes twice a week for four weeks. The Rochester team found that yoga was more effective in reducing fatigue and maintaining quality of life. 

 A third study was conducted by the Instituto de Medicina Integral in Brazil and involved more than 2,600 cancer patients. Physically active patients, that is, those who walk for at least 30 minutes five days a week, have been found to have an almost one-fifth reduced risk of death. On the other hand, those with a sedentary lifestyle had a higher risk of death. After 180 days, 90% of the active group were alive compared to 74% of the sedentary group. The researchers emphasized the importance of avoiding prolonged sitting or lying down for cancer patients and recommended incorporating light physical activity, such as light work and carrying groceries. They also emphasized the need to educate patients' families about the benefits of physical activity for their physical and psychological health.