Physical Activity and Cancer Prevention
Did you know that by participating in moderate to vigorous physical activity, such as walking, swimming, biking, or running can help you lower your risk of cancer? Various research conducted globally indicate that regular physical activity is in fact crucial in cancer prevention programs and treatments
Lowering cancer risk with exercise
It is important to remember that there is no proven way to completely prevent cancer, but there may be steps you can take to lower your risk. Research shows that physical activity may lower the risk of the following cancers:
Colon cancer. Researchers have found that people who exercise regularly have a 40% to 50% lower risk of colon cancer, compared with those who don’t exercise regularly. There is some evidence that suggests people who maintain active lifestyles throughout their lives have the lowest risk of colon cancer.
Breast cancer. Research shows that women who exercise at moderate-to-vigorous levels for more than three hours per week have a 30% to 40% lower risk of breast cancer. This result held true for all women, regardless of their family history or risk level of breast cancer. Most studies show that the higher the level of activity, the lower the risk, although it is not clear whether there is a specific level of activity that must be met. Although activity throughout a person’s life is important, activity at any age may help lower breast cancer risk.
How physical activity can lower cancer risk
Being physically active can help you avoid the following factors that contribute to the development of cancer.
Obesity. Obesity increases a person’s risk of developing and dying from certain types of cancer, including postmenopausal breast cancer, colorectal cancer, uterine cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer, thyroid cancer, and esophageal cancer. Several studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise combined with a low-calorie diet can help people lose weight and keep it off.
Insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps the body use blood sugar for energy. Insulin resistance (a rise in blood sugar because the body doesn’t respond to insulin properly) increases the risk of some cancers. Regular exercise helps improve insulin resistance.
Inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury and disease. Ongoing low-grade inflammation and chronic inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, are associated with several cancers. Exercise may help reduce inflammation, which may help lower the risk of cancer.
Immune system function. Moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking and biking, has been shown to improve some of the functions of the immune system, which the body uses to fight infectious disease and cancer.
If you need help, talk with our doctors about an exercise and eating plans that is appropriate for your medical history and goals.
How Can PhysioChiroWellness Help?
At PhysioChiroWellness Integrated Health Centre our highly-skilled practitioners work together to create fully integrated health solutions that may include physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, naturopathy, medical aesthetics amongst others. Our professionals will work together towards achieving an optimal health for all our patients through a holistically approach when treating any condition or pain they may present. This service is provided in our Vaughan, On & Newmarket, On clinics and can be booked at any time.
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