Moving together - reducing the risk of cancer
Status: 08.09.2024
"Move together - reduce the risk of cancer" is the motto of this year's National Cancer Prevention Week, which takes place from September 9 to 15. Under the slogan "Will you walk with me?", the aim is to draw attention to the cancer risk factor of lack of exercise and motivate people to take more exercise in their everyday lives. This is because 6 out of 100 cases of cancer are due to a lack of exercise.
Lack of exercise means little to no physical activity. This means that movement does not go beyond basic activity such as household exercise, standing, slow walking. Signs of a lack of movement can include
- Back, joint and muscle pain
- Poor posture and poor posture
- shortness of breath
- Weight gain, increased fat percentage
- Mental illnesses (e.g. depression, anxiety disorders) (source: DKFZ)
"Sport and regular physical activity are important and effective in the prevention of cancer," says Prof. Dr. Uwe Tegtbur, Head of the Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Clinical Department at the MHH. "Regular physical activity not only reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, but also the risk of cancer. For example, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which increase the risk of a variety of cancers, are reduced," explains the sports physician. But how much exercise should it be? Basically, any exercise is better than doing nothing. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intensive physical activity per week, or a mixture of both.
Stay fit wherever you are - without much effort
The sports medicine team at MHH offers inspiration for exercise and sports exercises. They have produced training videos on a wide range of issues and objectives. Whether at home, in the office, in nature or exercise games for children. There is something for every age and fitness level. Anyone can take part in the videos.
Positive effect: exercise and sport for cancer patients
Regular exercise is also important for cancer patients. During cancer treatment, the quality of life can be positively influenced by the therapy and the side effects. At the Klaus Bahlsen Center for Integrative Oncology at the MHH, patients can find various offers. In addition to sports medicine advice, they can also take part in regular walking groups.
A special sports medicine concept for children with cancer has been developed and tested by the Department of Sports Medicine and the Clinical Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology. The sports medicine support program called Onko-Kids encourages young patients to engage in physical activity. The program takes place on the wards, at the patient's bedside or on an outpatient basis. Thanks to the financial support of the Verein für krebskranke Kinder Hannover e.V., there is a protected, child-friendly sports room for the children.
About the National Cancer Prevention Week
In Germany, around 500,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year. According to experts, around 40 percent of all cancers could be prevented through a healthy lifestyle. According to experts, this percentage could be increased even further with findings from improved prevention research.
National Cancer Prevention Week is a joint initiative of German Cancer Aid, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the German Cancer Society (DKG). The aim is to draw attention to the great potential of prevention. Their vision is to prevent cancer from developing in the first place.