EXERCISE IS A POWERFUL CANCER-PREVENTIVE!

 

New research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, came to the conclusion that “exercise is a powerful cancer-preventive.”

This is bold language for the usually sedate research terminology.

And with good reason! This tremendous study reflects the most in depth research ever done on exercise and cancer risk.

 

Investigators looked at 1.5 million people across several European countries as well as the US, tracking them over 11 years on average.

 

They found that exercise, self-reported “leisure time physical activity”, drove down rates of many different types of cancer. This held true even for those who currently smoked, formerly smoked, were overweight or obese.

 

This reduced risk was especially strong for 13 types of cancers, including lung, kidney, endometrium, stomach and esophagus. For these specific types, the average lowered risk of cancer was 20%.   People reporting moderate to intense activity were 42% less likely than those who got little to no exercise to develop esophageal adenocarcinoma, 27% less likely to develop liver cancer, 26% less likely to diagnosed with lung cancer and 23% less likely to be diagnosed with kidney cancer.

Physical activity was tied to an average 7 percent lower risk of developing any type of cancer, compared with those in the group who reported little to no physical activity, Interestingly, the reduction was slightly lower than the average 7% for colon, bladder, and breast cancers, but there was still a reduction in risk.

 

What’s my take on these findings?

 

The significance here seems to be, once again, that a host of factors and not just one thing makes up our risk for developing cancer. Sure, smoking is terrible for you, but if you’re a highly active person that just may cut your risk. Even if you’re overweight, just by getting out there and moving you lower your risk. Moreover, you can be a vegan non-smoker all of your life, but if you don’t get your heart rate up on a regular basis you don’t have the best odds.

 

Cancer, like most things in life, doesn’t have a black and white basis. We cannot underestimate the importance of exercise in our daily lives for our long-term health.

 

The study also showed similar results whether the activity was moderate or intense. Long walks with your dog or training for a marathon may be equally beneficial!

 

Find activities you love and do them! Variety is key to keeping it up. On cold rainy days take to a treadmill and watch a show. On nice days get out there and jog or get on your bike. A dance class with friends is a great way to be social and active.

 

The basic point, once again, is that it’s never all or nothing. IF you know your diet needs tweaking or you have to kick an unhealthy habit (like smoking), don’t be discourages from adding in exercise while you address the other issues.

 

It isn’t just about maintaining a healthy weight or looking good in those jeans. It’s also about long-term cancer risk. Our bodies are meant to work so put them to work! Use it or lose it – and have fun doing it