Even little physical activity could be valuable in late-stage lung cancer

New research has found less than five minutes of daily physical activity could be linked with prolonged life in people living with inoperable forms of lung cancer.

Lung cancer kills more people globally each year than any other type of cancer, however new Curtin University-led research has found less than five minutes of daily physical activity could be linked with prolonged life in people living with inoperable forms of the disease.

The team from Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin enAble Institute and other research organisations measured the daily activity of 89 people living with inoperable lung cancer, from the time of their diagnosis.

They then compared the mortality rates after 12 months between those who engaged in more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (such as walking) and those who were largely inactive — and saw significant results.

The people who completed more than 4.6 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity had a 60 per cent lower risk of mortality after 12 months compared to the group who were less active.

“These new findings further indicate that healthcare providers should investigate a person’s levels of physical activity in early management of inoperable lung cancer.

“We also need to evaluate what can be done to encourage people with inoperable lung cancer to exercise more, as 24 per cent of the study’s participants engaged in less than one minute per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity.”

Reference: Even small amounts of physical activity could be valuable in late-stage lung cancer; Journal of Clinical Medicine; DOI: 10.3390/jcm12237346