Physical activity, body weight and cancer. Effects and methodology

Abstract

Physical activity is an important determinant of general health, but seems to provide similar benefits after a diagnosis of disease, e.g. cancer. In this thesis, we investigated relations between physical activity, body weight and disease risk in the general population (Part I), and we studied some methodological aspects of oncological trials that address effects of physical activity in cancer patients (Part II). In Part I a higher risk for the metabolic syndrome with high levels of visceral fat was observed as well a higher colon cancer risk for those with a high BMI (kg/m2). In Part II we describe that trials addressing effects of physical activity in cancer patients should take some aspects into account, like estimating the costs of new programs and considering factors contributing to low contamination, low drop out rates and high adherence.