Dr. Kathryn Schmitz: Using Exercise to Improve Cancer Outcomes
Get inspired by Dr. Kathryn Schmitz, a pioneering figure in the field of exercise oncology and a strong advocate for cancer patients worldwide. In this compelling episode, Dr. Schmitz, a Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and past president of the American College of Sports Medicine, shares groundbreaking insights from her extensive research on the transformative power of exercise in cancer care.
Discover how Dr. Schmitz's work is revolutionizing the way we think about cancer treatment and survivorship. Learn about the compelling statistics that reveal how regular exercise can dramatically reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by an astonishing 30-50%—a figure that rivals the efficacy of some popular cancer drugs.
This episode is not just about facts and figures; it's a journey into the heart of a passionate researcher driven by personal experience. Dr. Schmitz opens up about her own life, sharing her personal story of navigating her wife's cancer treatment and how it has fueled her mission to make exercise a standard part of cancer care by 2029.
Listen as Dr. Schmitz delves into the fascinating mechanisms behind exercise's ability to combat cancer, from activating tumor suppressor genes to boosting immune function. She also sheds light on the latest research, including the surprising benefits of short, intense bursts of exercise and the varied, enjoyable forms that effective exercise can take.
Furthermore, Dr. Schmitz discusses her influential book, 'Moving Through Cancer,' which offers practical, step-by-step exercise guidance for cancer patients at every stage of their treatment journey. This episode is a must-listen for anyone affected by cancer, whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a distinguished scientist who has received accolades such as the Distinguished Scientist Award from the Society of Behavioral Medicine and the Clinical Research Professorship from the American Cancer Society. Join us on this enlightening podcast and learn how exercise can be a powerful ally in the fight against cancer, empowering patients to take an active role in their health and recovery.
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00:00:00 Intro
00:05:32 Dr. Schmitz personal goal
00:06:40 What do we know about the impact of exercise on cancer progression and overall survival?
00:08:00 Historical research evidence supporting impact of exercise
00:10:08 Animal model evidence is consistently 30-70% reduction in tumor growth
00:10:50 Human observational evidence of 30-50% reduction in recurrence: breast, colon, prostate
00:12:04 The nature of the evidence; confidence in methodologies and why we should believe Dr. Schmitz
00:17:17 Comparing cancer risk reduction of exercise to common cancer drugs
00:18:02 Behavioral shaping; getting off the couch
00:23:19 Immediate cellular benefits of acute exercise
00:24:08 Moving to feeling good
00:26:05 Increased exercise after diagnosis have a 45% lower risk of death versus those who decreased physical activity after diagnosis have a 4X increase in risk of death
00:28:35 Defining exercise
00:29:00 Dr. Schmitz book “Moving Through Cancer” and a prescription with resources for helping cancer patients exercise
00:30:53 Dr. Schmitz’s wife’s cancer diagnosis and its impact on her work
00:37:06 The prescription of exercise and the infrastructure required to support it
00:46:02 Resources for patients — where to go, what to do
00:47:49 Status of Sarah, Dr. Schmitz wife
00:49:12 Impact of different types of exercise on cancer — research support and recommendations by cancer treatment (prevention, after surgery, in chemo)
01:00:35 Exercise and muscle mass
01:03:37 Why does cancer work? Mechanisms of action
01:11:43 New evidence from 2023 about the impact of short bursts of vigorous exercise on cancer progression
01:16:01 Exercise as play
01:19:02 Awareness of exercise as a beneficial anti-cancer strategy
01:21:36 How to help Dr. Schmitz get exercise approved as part of standard care treatment for cancer
01:25:09 What every cancer patient should know about exercise and cancer
01:26:20 Wrap-up, Important disclaimer information
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Patel AV, Friedenreich CM, Moore SC, Hayes SC, Silver JK, Campbell KL, Winters-Stone K, Gerber LH, George SM, Fulton JE, Denlinger C, Morris GS, Hue T, Schmitz KH, Matthews CE. American College of Sports Medicine Roundtable Report on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Cancer Prevention and Control. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2019
Moore SC, Lee I, Weiderpass E, et al. Association of Leisure-Time Physical Activity With Risk of 26 Types of Cancer in 1.44 Million Adults. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(6):816–825. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.1548
Stamatakis E, Ahmadi MN, Friedenreich CM, et al. Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity and Cancer Incidence Among Nonexercising Adults: The UK Biobank Accelerometry Study. JAMA Oncol. 2023;9(9):1255–1259. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.1830
McTiernan A, Friedenreich CM, Katzmarzyk PT, Powell KE, Macko R, Buchner D, Pescatello LS, Bloodgood B, Tennant B, Vaux-Bjerke A, George SM, Troiano RP, Piercy KL; 2018 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GUIDELINES ADVISORY COMMITTEE*. Physical Activity in Cancer Prevention and Survival: A Systematic Review. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2019 Jun;51(6):1252-1261. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000001937. PMID: 31095082; PMCID: PMC6527123.
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Visit Moving Through Cancer to order Dr. Schmitz’s book and to learn more about how you can utilize exercise as an anti-cancer strategy.
Visit My Victory to get hundreds of exercise videos designed specifically for cancer patients. People purchasing Dr. Schmitz’s book, Moving Through Cancer, will receive one year of free access to the My Victory videos.
The Outperform Cancer podcast provides health information and should not be viewed as medical, nursing, or other professional healthcare advice. Listening to or engaging with the content does not create a doctor/patient relationship. Any reliance on the information from this podcast or linked materials is solely at your own discretion. This podcast's content is not meant to replace professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or care. If you have a medical issue or question, consult with a healthcare professional without delay.