How Can Exercise Be Crucial In Preventing Or Treating Cancer?

We’ve heard for years how physical activity is important to our health. But did you know the role it plays when it comes to cancer?

Exercise is found to be one of the most potent cancer-fighting weapons. It lowers cancer risk by helping control weight, reduces insulin, and strengthens the immune system, and also it can boost the quality of life during cancer treatment. One recent study at the American Cancer Society links exercises with a lower risk of 13 specific types of cancer.

Here’s why exercise is crucial in preventing and treating cancer:

• Experts say exercise help prevent cancer by reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and keeping weight under control.
• Contributes to the prevention of bladder, breast, colon, oesophagus, kidney, stomach, and uterine cancer.
• Regular exercise has also been found to decrease the likelihood of remissions in some cancers.
• It helps to prevent obesity, which is a risk factor for many cancers.

How much physical activity is recommended?

Experts recommend that for substantial health benefits and to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer, adults should engage in:

• At least 20 to 40 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every day
• Muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week
• Balance training, in addition to muscle-strengthening and aerobic activity.

What are the cancers according to research that exercise can ward-off?

• Endometrial cancer: Women who exercised for 150 minutes a week or more had a 34% lower risk of endometrial cancer.
• Prostate cancer:  Men who had regular recreational exercise showed a lower risk of developing advanced prostate cancer.
• Breast cancer:  Women who had a family history of breast cancer reduced their risk by one-fourth by regular exercise.
• Gastric cancer: People who reported at least of moderate level of physical activity had a 50% reduced risk of gastric cancer.

Make sure you’re not making any more excuses to avoid regular exercise!

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