2ⁿᵈ Edition of the Cancer R&D World Conference 2026

Abstract

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. In 2024, there were an estimated 8.43 million deaths in Europe. Cancer accounts for a quarter of this number and is the number one cause of death in people aged 45–64 (41 %). In Czech Republic, neoplasms are the second leading cause of death, causing roughly 15,000–16,000 deaths per year, with lung cancer being the most frequent, followed by colorectal cancer. A significant factor contributing to the increasing prevalence of malignant tumors in Europe and in the Czech Republic is related to lifestyle factors. Among them, a lack of physical activity holds an important place.

   Adults who engage in greater amounts of physical aktivity (PE) have reduced risks of developing cancers of the bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, lung and stomach and some others. As a potential mechanism of the anticancer effect of physical activity, it is mentioned reduced body fat and prevented weight gain, followed by decreasing levels of adipocytes, pro-inflammatory markers, estrogens, and exposure to bioavailable sex hormones.

   The metabolic effects are significant: decreased C-peptide, insulin, IGF-1, fasting glucose levels, and fatty acids synthesis; increased glucose transport into muscle, muscle mass, IGFBP-3 level, insulin sensitivity; stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis and enhanced cell resistance to environmental stressors. Among the other mechanisms of the positive influence of PE are hormonal effects, anti-inflammatory effects, enhanced activity of the immune system, increased endogenous antioxidant capacity and reduction of the oxidative stress. PE can reduce tumor incidence and tumor growth, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, and induce apoptosis. In addition, PE prevents tumor metastasis through several mechanisms, inducing angiogenesis and the activating of tumor suppressors.

   Evidence shows that approximately 30–50% of cancers are preventable by a healthy lifestyle, especially by the most fundamental lifestyle factors—PA and immunization. There is also a growing number of studies proving the role of PA in cancer treatment to reduce cancer recurrence and mortality, decrease fatigue, and improve the quality of a patient’s life. PA is even more effective in preventing risk in cancer survivors, especially for the postdiagnosis activity. The WHO has issued recommendations for suitable effective physical activities for different age groups. Unfortunately, in the Czech Republic, only a very small portion of the population follows these recommendations.