Mechanisms of Exercise in Cancer Prevention, Treatment, and Survivorship

Abstract

Being physically active reduces the overall risk of developing at least ten different types of cancer and is associated with better outcomes in several cancers. However, in order to obtain the full benefit of physical activity and/or exercise for prevention or treatment, the mechanisms by which exercise impacts cancer development must be understood. Research on mechanistic relationships between physical activity or exercise and cancer has gained momentum in the last decades, and there is now evidence to support several different potential mechanisms. In this chapter, we review tumor cell intrinsic and extrinsic changes induced by exercise. We review tumor microenvironment changes including changes in the vasculature and immune response to cancer, as well as epigenetic changes within tumor cells. Finally, we briefly highlight emerging mechanisms that are likely to be important for the impact of physical activity on cancer development, treatment, and outcomes.