Exercise Reduces Cancer Risk

Increased physical activity reduces your risk of 13 different types of cancer, according to a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. This was a meta-analysis of previous studies and the cancers prevented include esophageal, liver, kidney, stomach, endometrial, leukemia, myeloma, colon, head and neck, rectal, bladder, and breast cancer.  This study pooled data on 1.4 million people who were included in a number of other studies.  The subjects that were grouped as being the most physically active, did the equivalent amount of exercise of 7 hours per week of brisk walking or 2.5 hours of jogging, whereas the least active did only 20 minutes of brisk walking per week.

There is a growing body of evidence documenting the benefits of exercise in reducing the risk of cancer and improving survival. The American Institute for Cancer Research notes that exercise regulates the levels of several hormones (such as insulin) that reduces cancer risk.(2) Physical activity also increases the intestinal transit time of food through the colon, thus reducing exposure of the colon wall to dietary carcinogens. Exercise also reduces body fat levels, and this reduction in body fat is associated with a reduction in cancer risk. In addition, regular moderate amounts of exercise reduces inflammation, improves immune function, and reduces oxidative stress, all health benefits that reduce cancer risk.

References: