In the world, there is an
estimated 12.7 million cancer cases and 7.6 million cancer deaths worldwide. In the United States, more Americans die from
cancer than heart disease. Obviously,
many patients have asked me on ways to reduce the cancer risk. I talked to you on my earlier blog of various
ways. On this page, I would like to
discuss research on exercise and cancer prevention.
We know that about 60% of American adults are not active
and 25% of them are completely sedentary.
A Harvard paper estimated that sedentary lifestyle is associated with 5
percent of cancer deaths. A study evaluated 79,771 Japanese adults in
regards of cancer diagnosis and their activity levels. The decreased risk was more clearly observed
in women than in men, especially among the elderly and those who regularly
engaged in leisure-time sports or physical exercise. By site, decreased risks
were observed for cancers of the colon, liver, and pancreas in men and for
cancer of the stomach in women. The author concluded that being active is
beneficial in preventing cancer in a relatively lean population (Japanese have
less obesity rate than Americans). Some
other studies suggest active life decreases breast and endometrial cancer rate.
How does exercise reduces cancer risk?. It appeared that active life reduces circulating
levels of insulin, hormones, and other growth factors (which are known to
induce cancer growth); impact on prostaglandin levels; improved immune
function, and altered bile acid metabolism.
Thus, now you have more reason to exercise. Please talk to your health care provider
first to make sure that you could exercise safely. At West Clinic where I work, the Wings organization has free exercise programs. please check their wellness program at http://www.westclinic.com/wings/
Reference:
- Inoue M, et al, Japan Public Health
Center-based Prospective Study Group. Daily total physical activity level and
total cancer risk in men and women: results from a large-scale population-based
cohort study in Japan. Am J Epidemiol. 2008;168(4):391.
- Wolin KY, et al. Physical activity
and colon cancer prevention: a meta-analysis.Br J Cancer. 2009;100(4):611
- Dallal CM, et al.Long-term
recreational physical activity and risk of invasive and in situ breast cancer:
the California teachers study. Arch Intern Med. 2007;167(4):408
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