Cancer patients who maintain or begin regular exercise after diagnosis can reduce their risk of cardiac events like heart attacks by 20%. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Korea Bizwire) — A groundbreaking study from Samsung Medical Center has revealed that cancer patients who maintain or begin regular exercise after diagnosis can reduce their risk of cardiac events like heart attacks by 20%, offering new hope for managing cardiovascular complications associated with cancer treatment.
The research, led by Shin Dongwook of the Samsung Medical Center’s Institute for Cancer Survivorship Quality of Life, analyzed data from 269,943 cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2016 through the National Health Insurance Service database. Jung Wonyoung of the University of Pennsylvania served as the study’s first author, with Cho In Young and Han Kyungdo as co-corresponding authors.
The study divided participants into four groups: those who exercised regularly before and after diagnosis (27,186 people), those who started exercising after diagnosis (44,852), those who stopped exercising (30,649), and those who never exercised (167,256).
Regular exercise was defined as either high-intensity workouts for at least 20 minutes three times per week or moderate-intensity exercise for 30 minutes five times weekly. The findings showed that patients who maintained regular exercise both before and after their cancer diagnosis experienced a 20% lower risk of heart attack and a 16% reduction in heart failure risk compared to those who didn’t exercise.
Even patients who began exercising only after their cancer diagnosis saw significant benefits, with an 11% reduction in heart attack risk and a 13% decrease in heart failure risk. Notably, those who had exercised regularly before diagnosis but stopped afterward still maintained some protection, with 20% lower heart attack risk and 6% reduced heart failure risk.
The research is particularly significant because cancer treatment, including medications and radiation therapy, can place considerable strain on the heart. The findings, published in JACC: CardioOncology, a journal of the American College of Cardiology, suggest that exercise could help offset these cardiovascular risks.
The research team recommends that cancer patients pursue exercise programs under medical supervision, emphasizing the vital role of regular physical activity in preventing cardiovascular complications during cancer treatment.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
