University of São Paulo: Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle is a key point in preventing various types of cancer

Lifestyle adjustments may be one of the mechanisms for cancer prevention. According to the World Health Organization, the disease causes one in every six deaths worldwide. Of these, some could be avoided through small changes in habits and other mechanisms, such as vaccination against HPV, a balanced diet and, mainly, the practice of physical activities.

In a brief survey carried out by the National Cancer Institute (Inca), the Ministry of Health establishes a booklet with guidelines with four main topics. Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle is a key point in preventing various types of cancer. Professor Patrícia Chakur Brum, head of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at USP, explains that it is precisely body conditioning caused by practicing sports, associated with other healthy habits, the main ally in preventing and reducing the chances of contracting the disease.

For this, between 150 and 300 minutes of activity per week are indicated, alternating exercises that combine commuting activities and resistance activities: “Physical activities have proven to be very efficient. So, it is important that they are incorporated as a habit in people’s routine”, adds the teacher. She also points out that the combination of other factors, such as reducing smoking and alcohol consumption, balanced diet, reducing stress and anxiety are strong allies to sports practices in cancer prevention.

The exercises suggested by the teacher involve body movement, aerobic activities and muscular resistance. Regardless of the intensity or level of difficulty of these exercises, “the ideal thing is that the activities are pleasurable”, emphasizes the teacher.

In rehabilitation and recidivism
There is evidence that protection through physical activity is more effective among bladder, colon, endometrial, esophagus, stomach, kidney and breast cancers. The latter type was studied by the professor, who also follows the Remama Project (Rowing for Post-Breast Cancer Rehabilitation) at USP. In it, Patrícia closely monitors the effects of rowing on former patients undergoing physical rehabilitation, under the observation of physical education professionals.

This is an example of the use of sports practices in cancer rehabilitation, but Patrícia also emphasizes their importance to prevent the recurrence of the disease. For this, it is necessary that “patients are released by oncologists for the practice, because, in addition to helping with the side effects of the treatment, it helps to prevent the recurrence of the disease”, complements Patrícia, making it clear that exercises are fundamental. not just for prevention but also in the stages after the disease.