Physical Activity and Cancer Prevention: Evidence, Reflections and Notes for the Unified Health System

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases are among the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the world, especially for cancer. For its prevention, physical activity appears as one of the strategies. Objective: To present and discuss recent scientific evidences about physical activity for the prevention of cancer and to expose reflections and notes on the complexities and inequities related to physical activity in the Unified Health System. Method: Current references from cutting edge institutions in research on physical activity, cancer prevention and related topics were selected: a) Summary of the III Expert Report on Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer; b) Scientific Report of the US Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee; c) Round Table of the American College of Sports Medicine. Its relevance lies in the gathering of evidence systematically reviewed by a wide scientific community of experts. Result: Physical activity is an important health action for cancer prevention, however it was not possible to identify the specific amount since the comparison is between higher versus lower levels of physical activity. Conclusion: There are strong evidences about the relationship between physical activity and cancer prevention for breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, stomach, kidney, bladder, liver. To carry them out, it is necessary to recognize that physical activity is related to different health determinants and conditions and that public programs in the Unified Health System have great potential for the expansion of this practice by the population.