Episode Number
119
Episode Show Notes / Description
In 2025, more than two million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. We all know movement matters, but understanding why helps us realize the importance of physical activity.
Transcript
Good morning, this is your Wellness Wake-Up Call with University of Illinois Extension.
In 2025, more than two million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the U.S., excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. While the exact cause of many cancers is unknown, lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, play a powerful role in influencing risk. People who are more sedentary face a greater chance of developing cancer.
We all know movement matters, but understanding why helps us realize the importance of physical activity. Being active every day helps maintain a healthy weight, regulates hormones, improves immune function, and lowers chronic inflammation, all of which reduce cancer risk.
Although the exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood, research suggests exercise influences gene expression, cell signaling, and immune regulation. More simply, activity reduces body fat, lowers inflammation, and decreases levels of hormones such as estrogen, insulin, and certain growth factors that can fuel cancer cell growth. It also boosts the immune system by increasing the number and effectiveness of immune cells that help fight off abnormal cells.
The good news? Regular movement can make a big difference. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days. Strive toward 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, paired with resistance training twice a week. And whenever possible, limit long stretches of sitting.
You can start reducing your cancer risk today by making it a daily habit to move more and sit less.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. Content for this episode was provided by Diane Reinhold, food and nutrition educator for University of Illinois Extension.
Resources:
Physical Activity and Cancer. National Institute of Health, National Cancer Institute. 09/10/2025
Cancer Facts & Figures 2025. American Cancer Society. 09/10/2025
Study shows sedentary behavior independently predicts cancer mortality., University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. 09/15/2025
In 2025, more than two million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the U.S., excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. While the exact cause of many cancers is unknown, lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, play a powerful role in influencing risk. People who are more sedentary face a greater chance of developing cancer.
We all know movement matters, but understanding why helps us realize the importance of physical activity. Being active every day helps maintain a healthy weight, regulates hormones, improves immune function, and lowers chronic inflammation, all of which reduce cancer risk.
Although the exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood, research suggests exercise influences gene expression, cell signaling, and immune regulation. More simply, activity reduces body fat, lowers inflammation, and decreases levels of hormones such as estrogen, insulin, and certain growth factors that can fuel cancer cell growth. It also boosts the immune system by increasing the number and effectiveness of immune cells that help fight off abnormal cells.
The good news? Regular movement can make a big difference. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days. Strive toward 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, paired with resistance training twice a week. And whenever possible, limit long stretches of sitting.
You can start reducing your cancer risk today by making it a daily habit to move more and sit less.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. Content for this episode was provided by Diane Reinhold, food and nutrition educator for University of Illinois Extension.
Resources:
Physical Activity and Cancer. National Institute of Health, National Cancer Institute. 09/10/2025
Cancer Facts & Figures 2025. American Cancer Society. 09/10/2025
Study shows sedentary behavior independently predicts cancer mortality., University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. 09/15/2025