The Pablo Picasso Active Participation Center (CPA) in La Rinconada recently held a public session titled “Cancer, Prevention and Exercise.” The event took place at the Violeta Training Center, part of the municipality’s Equality area, and was open to anyone interested in learning how physical activity can help fight cancer.
The morning began with a theoretical presentation delivered by Vicenta Guerra Moreno, a retired doctor who also serves on the center’s board. Guerra explained the physiological mechanisms by which regular movement influences hormonal balance, metabolism, body‑weight control, inflammation, immune response and cardiovascular health. She cited the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, which recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise each day as the first line of cancer prevention.
According to the society’s data, a daily half‑hour of activity can reduce the incidence of breast, colon, bladder, endometrial, esophageal and stomach cancers by up to 30 %. It also cuts specific cancer‑related mortality by roughly 20 %. Beyond risk reduction, exercise has been shown to boost cardio‑respiratory capacity, lessen treatment‑related fatigue and improve patients’ overall perception of health.
The practical segment was led by Isabel Olivo, a graduate in Physical Education and Sports who currently works with the Municipal Sports Board (PMD). Olivo guided participants through simple aerobic and strength‑training exercises designed to be easily incorporated into daily routines, emphasizing that consistency matters more than intensity.
Municipal delegates for Seniors and Sports, Noelia Ramírez and Francisco José Rodríguez, welcomed the audience and praised the initiative. Ramírez congratulated the newly elected board of the Pablo Picasso Center for organizing activities that enhance user wellbeing and pledged continued support for future projects. Rodríguez highlighted sport as a universal health resource, especially for older adults, and recalled Guerra’s contribution to establishing the medical cabinet of the municipal sports authority in the 1990s.
The session also addressed broader lifestyle choices that influence cancer risk. Attendees were reminded to avoid tobacco, limit alcohol consumption, maintain a balanced diet, stay active, prevent obesity and protect skin from unshielded sun exposure—factors that, when combined with regular exercise, create a robust preventive strategy.
Overall, the talk underscored that physical activity is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. By offering both scientific insight and hands‑on guidance, the CPA Pablo Picasso reinforced its role as a community hub for health promotion in La Rinconada.
