Exercise and cancer: lessons from NASA research | Dr. Jessica Scott

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What do astronauts and cancer patients have in common?
Jonathan explores this fascinating connection with Dr. Jessica Scott, learning how six decades of NASA research is being used to help the recovery of cancer survivors. New research challenges the traditional notion that you should rest during cancer treatment. Instead, Jessica’s studies into exercise could hold the key to a long and healthy life post-diagnosis.
Dr Jessica Scott started her career at NASA where she spent 7 years designing exercise programs for astronauts in outer space. Now, as the principal investigator at the world-leading Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, she is using her unique skillset in the fight against cancer.
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Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction
01:25 Quickfire questions
02:32 Health challenges for astronauts
08:03 Impact of exercise on astronauts
11:43 NASA’s exercise program
15:37 Transition to cancer research
16:48 Exercise and cancer treatment
18:21 Side effects of cancer treatments
26:20 Studies on the benefit of exercising alongside cancer treatment
29:33 Tailoring exercise to the individual
31:14 Global perspectives on exercising alongside cancer treatment
33:00 Understanding different types of exercise
36:40 Implementing NASA's non-linear exercise training techniques
44:18 The next steps for Jessica’s research
45:59 Episode summary
Studies related to today’s episode:
Cancer Survivorship Statistics from The National Cancer Institute cancercontrol.cancer.gov/ocs/...
Multisystem Toxicity in Cancer: Lessons from NASA’s Countermeasures Program from The National Library of Medicine www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
A randomised trial comparing the effects of moderate versus moderate to high-intensity aerobic training in women with operable breast cancer from The National Library of Medicine www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Effects of exercise countermeasures on multisystem function in long duration spaceflight astronauts from The National Library of Medicine www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Cancer Survivors: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (ARIC) Study from The National Library of Medicine pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35772...
Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here: gf6hx47iu5g.typeform.com/topi...
Episode transcripts are available here joinzoe.com/learn/category/nu...

[@ricknicholson5894]

Confession, I haven't watched all of the video however I want to make one comment. I had chemo for high grade lymphoma at age 73 (currently 76) and the side effects were so profound I wouldn't have really been able to do much if any physical exercise. Sometimes walking to the bathroom was an adventure as I was so weak and dizzy that near the end of chemo I had to hold on to things to make my way anywhere in the house. A 150 step day was a big day. Post chemo I have been doing a great deal of walking, including one wretched hill I use to increase cardio. I do this daily and average around 12,000 steps. I do get a cardio workout from walking up the wretched hill, I am overweight. And it took me two years to work up to 12,000 steps. My first foray outside was a drunken staggering walk that was in total 3 short blocks. I had to stop 5 times I was in so much pain, mostly from unused back muscles while I experienced chemo and initial early recovery. Walking a straight line was not possible.

[@LivelovelaughEveryday]

Thanks for sharing.

[@faith5401]

Keep it up Sir !! You will see good results n its worth it. 👍 THE LORD BLESS YOU N KEEP YOU WELL ✝️🙏♥️♥️♥️

[@jasoncyrus2025]

Appreciate the insight I have a family member who is experiencing a second round of chemo I shall pass this info as I can relate to the lack of energy and multiple side effects of this treatment from a observers standpoint...thanks

[@zaneszful]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I will think of you when needing motivation.

[@AtheistEve]

Chemo can also come with painful peripheral neuropathy, making walking impossible.

[@zakkyang6476]

Stage 4 colon cancer here, actively workout for both cardio and strength training every day, vo2max increased from below 30 to 48 at the age of 38. Latest tumor marker is within normal range and all tumor sizes shrink more than half. Chemo has less side effects on me.

[@user-zu1ix3yq2w]

Good luck

[@NormandHowison]

I can definitely agree with this video . When I was treated for leukaemia in 1996/1997 I had a portable rowing machine next to my hospital bed and was rowing every day even when I was on a drip. The only time I could not physically exercise was during my bone marrow transplants. After treatment I restarted exercising as soon as I could exercise again. It hasn’t been easy and it took me a lot of determination to do it. In October 2020 I was diagnosed with incurable bladder cancer. I was given about 2 years to live. I had chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and currently on a trial drug. I never stops exercising and still feel well enough to lead a normal life. For me exercising has always been part of my life since my teenager years. Another benefit of exercising is it help mentally to cope with having cancer.

[@joinZOE]

This is truly an incredible story Normand, wishing you all the best in your treatment and journey. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@laulaja-7186]

Awesome hospital, letting you have a rowing machine! What country are you in?

[@NormandHowison]

@@laulaja-7186 I am in the UK in Southampton . The rowing machine was a folding one.

[@latinainwpb]

Incurable mesns a cure is not known, but many have been cured of sll kinds of illnesses against all odds. I just prayed for you. I hope you don’t mind. 🙏💛

[@youonlyliveonce6000]

❤‍🩹

[@asbjorgvanderveer5050]

I can vouch for walking . It helped me leave thoughts of cancer at home. Afternoon walks with my Collie/Shepherd Buddy, distracted me from thinking about the pain in my feet, and tingling hands. Herding and keeping me on our gradually expanding course, along tree-lined urban streets, down winding paths, until gradually, I was strong enough to take the ravine steps all in one go, before resting, taking in the river view. Following my instincts, and my dear Buddy, meant never walking alone, twenty-six years ago.

[@AtheistEve]

Happy trails for Buddy 🐾

[@chs3538]

Honestly I am currently right now that 60 yr old woman with breast cancer. I absolutely agree. I’ve already purchased a step and doing some resistance training coupled with yoga and Pilates. Thanks for this podcast. You have reinforced what I’ve been advised 🙏

[@joinZOE]

Wishing you all the best in your treatment and journey 💛

[@chs3538]

@@joinZOE thank you x 🙏

[@Liyaxs]

this is soo important. they keep patients in beds all day smdh these hospitals make you sicker with “standard of care” until they catch on im staying away

[@AtheistEve]

Depends on what you’re in for. From what I’ve seen, hospitals try to get people mobile and back home before they’re ready.

[@moij5962]

Blame culture?...instead Q should be, how can I help keeping my family away from the hospital...and if they end up there, might need to assist.💪 Mobile people when they get to the hospital, they continued to move around as much as they can.

[@beretaspaas8161]

Thank you for a very interesting dialogue. Am happy to hear the importance of excercise. Having a bowel cancer op this morning, and will get walking later today.

[@belwynne1386]

Good luck! You certainly have the right attitude.

[@ButterflyJak]

I’m currently coming to the end of 6 months of chemo and I’ve continued to run or walk when possible, I’m sure this has made a huge difference to how I’ve gotten through it.

[@naftalibendavid]

Wow! Great show.

[@nasseernaji3750]

Thank you Zoe’s team, I wish you do more coverage for blood cancer survivors , best diet, exercise…..again, good job.

[@joinZOE]

Noted, thank you for the feedback!

[@theresemoore5517]

I had stage 3 breast cancer 11 years ago then stage 4 metastatic breast cancer 6 years ago. I live well I manage my side effects as well as I can I do know without the exercise i do I would be a LOT WORSE. It helps me daily Its not about how long I live Its about how I feel everyday I am here. I walk most days from 30-60 mins. I go to the gym for a varied workout 2-3 times a week I swim in summer

[@dianebuckle5093]

Long may you continue. Look up sulphoraphane . Broccoli sprouts to kill cancer cells ❤

[@lynneward8845]

This is such an important topic, I love that you are reporting this as part of Zoe's concern for overall health, and not just those issues directly related to a Zoe product. As a cancer survivor who unerwent radiation treatment, I am always interested in what I can do to manage possible long term effects. I have exercised regularly for years and the studies you all discussed related to astronauts is fascinating, the link to all of us regular humans is fascinating as well. My biggest take away was the importance of exercise variation and I look forward to hearing the results of the ongoing research.

[@MegaGoddessofLove]

There's definitely some people you should try and get on your program. Dr Michael Greger and Dr Brooke Goldner. These people have studied nutrition to a "T" and have very valuable information to share.

[@shoes123uk8]

Great episode, very informative! 🙏👍

[@ankanasingha9101]

This is something amazing I came across. I got hope from this

[@eman40y]

I agree with the benefits of Exercise. I was very active before I got diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and I think that helps me recover better and faster. I did my stem cells transplant after 6 months and that was very hard on my body but I tried to go back to walking even during my 1 month stay at the hospital. I started with a 5 m walk in the hospital and I end up in less than a year to more than 5 km a day. All my doctors were surprised of my good health during these years. Now, I walk at least 3 km a day and in some good days 10 km. I go to the gym almost daily now and that helps a lot in keeping my health at a good level for my age and treatment. Patient with MM need a daily strong meds that have many side effects so with exercise I was able to ease them and have an almost normal life. I hope this helps some of you out there. Keep trying and don’t give up.

[@glynwelshkarelian3489]

Thank you for this. there is so much to applaud. First off: the massive benefits, to all humans, of NASA getting to the Moon is beyond measure, and if you deny the achievement then you have a massive health problem. Second: past generations were used to fighting for their lives (quite literally for my parents, who both survived extreme violence during WWII). In the bad old days, when going to the doctor cost a week's wage, being a stubbon b*gger was what kept many people alive. It has long been known that recovery from a stroke depends on determination; and it hearing Jessica Scott give proof that being a right stubborn b*gger is still the key to living longer. On top of that more people will do a difficult thing, like exercise when feeling bad, if there's a goal reward. There is no greater reward than living.

[@mariotorres9976]

Saludos cordiales desde Bucaramanga Colombia

[@MadalynnFrederick-k6b]

Wow, it's really good, it's very attractive, and the ads are very interesting

[@christiannunez5951]

Thank you. New subscriber here. ..

[@rawdah786]

I’ve subscribed 😅

[@deborahhoward8043]

Very interesting. I’m curious as to whether cancer patients are informed about the long term side effects?

[@holistic-psychotherapist]

No, you are not. In my experience they were totally ignored when I mentioned them.

[@awangtaiepalat7308]

close your eyes and you can hear Mickey giving the interview.

[@XxSatinaxX]

Hi, thanks for the amazing podcast! I have just one issue with this episode: somehow I can hear a low frequency buzzing a lot of the times that the two are moving their arms. Maybe that is something that you can check in editing in the future. Keep up the good work! :D

[@XxSatinaxX]

I think it is every time Jonathan is touching the laptop, maybe laptop and microphone stand are rubbing against each other.

[@endgamefond]

I exercise but rarely. maybe once in a week. I feel tired after working in front of my computer. My energy after eating, I use it for working. I wish I had more energy; I try to have snack on some fruits but I still dont have enough energy. So 99% I only exercise on weekends, that's when I dont work.

[@maryellenmartelli6364]

Its the bell button

[@krslavin]

I guess Marcel Proust had an inkling... Maybe using centripetal force to simulate gravity is a way to go? Is the accelerating aging reversible after returning to earth?

[@ervinjackson3261]

Wow

[@zoeydeu2261]

21:00 21:03

[@peterclayton72]

He keeps on about the subscribe button.. BUT WHERE IS THAT BUTTON

[@towritemichelle210]

Is it possible you have already subscribed? If you see a bell opposite to the Zoe tile, you are.

[@maryellenmartelli6364]

Click the bell button

[@wjheald]

If you are watching on your phone/tablet, click on the word Zoe below the video, it will take you to their channel which show all Zoe videos and the option to subscribe. On a TV press the main button on your remote and it will bring up options on the bottom of the screen, scroll right, go to channel and you will see the option to subscribe.

[@RadarAustralia]

Maybe patients could ask the question: What is the maximum amount of exercise can I do?

[@youonlyliveonce6000]

I have a project for you; “microdosing GLP , not for weight loss , but for reduction in strokes, heart attacks , diabetes , kidney disease , and more “ This is not main stream! PLEASE 🙏

[@K-Fetti]

Man now interstellar makes a lot of sense m…

[@irenag3994]

It’s ridiculous that the researcher doesn’t address the fact that people go into illness (cancer) with different athleticism. Does current research into exercise during/post cancer lump all patients together, hoping to come up with a recommendation for all???

[@lisinbondi1240]

Sorry but that is irrelevant. The point is that any exercise which includes walking as she says is beneficial and accessible to the vast majority irrespective of athleticism.

[@user-zu1ix3yq2w]

Exercise cures all problems because insurance doesn't have to pay for it. Sometimes a drug fixes a problem, and sometimes it doesn't but either way it's the treatment when the doctors are financially incentivized to prescribe it (kickbacks, etc.) Unfortunately, people don't exercise enough and are too obese.. which further complicates things.

[@irenag3994]

@@lisinbondi1240 My wish for you is to never find out that walking is not accessible to everyone.

[@Villan794]

Who doesn't know that Exercise is good for you?

[@JOHNWAYZ-s5j]

Hi

[@woolfel]

science provides data for the old saying "use it or loose it"

[@vulcan4d]

Walk, fast and avoid processed and sugery foods. No brainer and not hard. Our food is a business, our medical system is a business, take matters in your own hands!

[@AtheistEve]

One thing I’d say is that, when people are on cancer therapies their immune systems take a huge hit. So I’d stay away from public gyms and pools.

[@mrlucasftw42]

How is 14 days in space 10 years older? That makes no sense and is ludicrous. They had that guy stay in a space a whole year. He would've been dead several times over.

[@theresatomasello1843]

As to how and where the aging occurs does need clarification but to say “ludicrous” when scientific studies have been done according to strict scientific protocol by NASA, nonetheless, is, well, ludicrous.

[@everythingbearausphreak7370]

I feel like I’m watching diary of a ceo, but weirdly different …

[@samsmom400]

No one is traveling to Mars or any other planet. Other than that, the information was good.

[@Aminu-i3k]

Thank you, Dr. osagh, for your exceptional expertise and skill. Your knowledge and dedication are truly commendable. your herbal medication for cancer worked as prescribed I am grateful to have received treatment from a doctor of your caliber. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to your profession…

[@tonyvalente]

She seriously needs to update her information. SpaceX can get people to Mars and a little over six months. She said 3 yrs .

[@skylineuk1485]

She said the mission to Mars is 3 years long not 3 years to get there as such but she must be reckoning on a long stay or she messed up the maths like you say lol. The general consensus is 6 to 9 months to get there depending on orbital positioning- Hohmann, at least 3 months stay on the Red planet to wait for the best alignment for the return and 6 to 9 months back. Being realistic probably 1.5 years at least but if they wanted to do more on the surface and/or miss the optimal launch window it extends the mission to minimum 3 years which might be what she is talking about. Obviously the stay is not zero G so I’m sure running about in a space suit on the 0.38g planet will do some good as exercise lol.

[@johnphillips8692]

Click on the bell. Unsubscribe comes up. Click on it Strangely, subscribe comes up.

[@peterclayton72]

Where is the Subscribe Button he keeps going on about there is no Subscribe button

[@SuperGaga54]

Beside the bell.

[@wjheald]

If you are watching on your phone/tablet, click on the word Zoe below the video, it will take you to their channel which show all Zoe videos and the option to subscribe. On a TV press the main button on your remote and it will bring up options on the bottom of the screen, scroll right, go to channel and you will see the option to subscribe.

[@lisarobertson6805]

If you already subscribed at some point, you don’t see it anymore.

[@250txc]

Expected that ~most comments below, other than mine, are self-centered and say nothing on the content of this video .. LOL...

[@moshmorok]

Learn Psychobiology (German new medicine)

[@250txc]

Git it? All the BS you hear about *any* space travel, is just that, BS. Humans need gravity to exist. lol

[@hibinmohamed5474]

Did anyone else think she sounds a little bit like Mickey mouse? I'm not trying to make fun of her or anything.