Exercise might slash risk of seven types of cancer, says study

Apart from eating a healthy and balanced diet, a regular exercise and workout regime is imperative to lead a healthy life. While a lot of previous studies have stressed on the importance of including exercise in one’s daily regime — a recent study, published in the Journal — Clinical Oncology, has shed light on how exercising in recommended amounts might even reduce the risk of seven types of cancer.

The study was conducted by researchers of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and National Cancer Institute from the American Cancer Society.

An analysis of nine studies conducted with 7,50,000 adults suggest certain guidelines for the activity.

They state that 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate-intensity workout in a week or 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous activity is the ideal amount of physical activity for sustaining a healthy lifestyle.

As per the findings of the study, engaging in recommended amounts of activity (7.5 to 15 MET-hours/week) was associated with a statistically significant lower risk of seven of the 15 cancer types studied, with the reduction increasing with more MET-hours.

Of the seven cancers stated in the study, several cancer types have a ‘dose/response’ relationship.

Alpa Patel, senior scientific director of epidemiology research of the American Cancer Society, says:

Physical activity was associated with:

1. Lower risk of colon cancer in men (8% for 7.5 MET-hours/week; 14% for 15 MET-hours/weeks)

2. Lower risk of female breast cancer (6-10%)

3. Lower risk of endometrial cancer (10-18%)

4. Lower risk of kidney cancer (11-17%)

5. Lower risk of myeloma (14-19%)

6. Lower risk of liver cancer (18-27%)

7. Lower risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (11-18% in women)

“These data provide strong support that these recommended levels are important to cancer prevention, as well,” said Patel.

The findings of the researchers have provided direct quantitative support for the levels of activity recommended for the prevention of cancer.

Also read: Find it difficult to stick to an exercise routine? Give these hacks a chance!