Regular exercise may lower the risk of cancer
If you’re a frequently exercise and a fitness lover, there’s excellent news for you. Cancer cannot affect you !
In fact, maintaining good physical fitness and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help lower the risk of developing specific cancers. Numerous studies have revealed a direct link between regular exercise, a good diet, and a lower chance of developing various cancers.
The study, which was released on Tuesday in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, discovered that men with high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness in their early adult years had a lower risk of contracting nine different types of cancer, including those of the head and neck, lungs, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system.
More than 1 million young males in Sweden were monitored for an average of 33 years, commencing when they participated in a military fitness test that, up until 2010, was mandated by law at around the age of 18. The researchers next looked at the frequencies of cancer diagnoses in the guys and compared them to the levels of fitness shown by their military fitness tests.
In comparison to the low-fitness group, they discovered that persons with high levels of exercise had a 19% lower risk of head and neck cancer and a 20% lower risk of kidney cancer.
While the risk of lung cancer was 42% lower in the fittest participants, smoking practices accounted for the majority of this difference.
The University of Gothenburg in Sweden’s pediatrics department’s postdoctoral researcher and study’s lead author, Dr. Aron Onerup, noted that when individuals’ fitness levels increased, their risk of developing cancer generally continued to decline.
“From a public health perspective, you can see the kind of risk of reduction that you might be able to achieve if you put public health efforts into increasing physical activity like yoga, cycling and fitness in the population,” stated Onerup.
The University of Pittsburgh’s Dr. Kathryn Schmitz, a professor of hematology and oncology who was not involved in the new study, said the findings add to a “robust lexicon” of research that connects physical activity to a reduced risk of several prevalent cancer.
Several studies have shown a strong correlation between regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and a decreased risk of various cancers. Here are a few ways in which physical fitness can contribute to reducing cancer risk:
1. Weight management: Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are key factors in reducing the risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, endometrial, kidney, and pancreatic cancers.
2. Immune system support: Engaging in regular physical activity can enhance immune function, which plays a crucial role in identifying and eliminating cancerous cells.
3. Hormonal balance: Physical exercise can help regulate hormone levels, such as estrogen and insulin, which are associated with the development of certain cancers, including breast and ovarian cancers.
4. Improved digestion: Regular exercise can promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of digestive system cancers, such as colorectal cancer.
5. Reduced inflammation: Chronic inflammation is linked to an increased risk of cancer. Exercise has been shown to reduce inflammation levels in the body, potentially lowering the risk of various cancers.
The prevalence of gastrointestinal cancer among young persons has increased recently. According to data released in March by the American Cancer Society, cases of colorectal cancer in Americans under the age of 55 increased to 20% in 2019 from 11% in 1995. According to a 2021 study, colorectal cancer could surpass all other cancers in the U.S. among adults aged 20 to 49 within seven years.
It’s important to note that while a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, can reduce the risk of cancer, it does not guarantee complete prevention. Other factors, such as genetics, family history, and environmental exposures, can also contribute to cancer development. Regular check-ups, screenings, and following appropriate medical advice are crucial for early detection and effective management of cancer risks.
