There has always been a link between regular exercise and a reduced risk of heart ailments and weight-related conditions, but did you know that it can also help reduce the risk of certain cancers?
Link Between Exercise and Cancer
While following a healthy lifestyle is beneficial for overall physical and mental wellbeing, many studies have also drawn a connection between exercising and some cancers.
It is important to understand that many cancers are caused by certain factors in our lifestyle and not by genes. Thus, experts believe that having a good workout routine is the most important thing you can do to shield against certain types of cancer. This finding is based on data that numerous cancer-related deaths are caused by a sedentary lifestyle and this includes both breast and colon cancer, which are the two most common types in the U.S.
While exercises can reduce high blood pressure, enhance joint health and flexibility and even better your mood, here’s how it can benefit against cancer:
- Men and women who exercise have shown a 24 percent lower chance of developing colon cancer.
- The risk of endometrial cancer may be reduced by nearly 20 percent in women who exercise versus those who don’t.
- Men with non-metastatic prostate cancer, who follow strenuous exercise routines, might reduce their risk of death by cancer by 61 percent.
- Women who exercise regularly may have a 12 percent lower chance of developing breast cancer than women leading sedentary lifestyles.
- Women with breast cancer, who exercise even as little as one hour a week, may be able to reduce their chances of death due to the disease by 35-40 percent.
- Exercise may regulate insulin, which is considered a cancer-growth factor.
Experts believe that incorporating at least 30 minutes of activity a day, depending on your health conditions, could help reduce and even reverse the side effects associated with cancer treatment, improve stamina, slow down the development of the disease and allow individuals to lead a better life.
The content of this Website is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References
Five Facts About Exercise and Cancer. (2018, July 19). Retrieved from https://strongpath.com/fitness/five-facts-about-exercise-and-cancer/
Trim your cancer risk with exercise. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fredhutch.org/en/events/healthy-living/Trim-Risk.html