People who exercise regularly for many years are less likely to die from colorectal cancer, according to a study published in the December issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Researchers at Washington State University in St. Louis and colleagues from the American Cancer Research Society analyzed data collected from over 150 people. men and women in the cancer prevention study. Data on their level of physical activity was collected in 1982-97 and compared with subsequent colon cancer cases and deaths.
It turned out that among people who developed colon cancer, those who exercised for a minimum of 10 years had the lowest risk of death.
People who exercised persistently had a lower risk of dying from colorectal cancer as adults compared to people who were sedentary, comments the researcher Kathleen Y. Wolin. – With the beginning of the new year, people often wonder if exercise will really help them stay healthy and whether it is worthwhile to start exercising. But it is never too late to be active, and it is never too early. This is the conclusion we hope people will learn from this research.
According to the researcher, the benefits of regular exercise not only include a lower risk of colorectal cancer and death from it, but also reduce the likelihood of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other cancers.
Of course, those who have been active for most of their lives gain more. However, it is not necessary to run marathons or exercise for several hours every day. A 30-minute walk each day is enough to reduce the risk of many diseases. In addition, our research shows that a person then feels better both physically and mentally, which makes them function better in general, explains Wolin.
Besides, being physically active is always beneficial for people who have ever been diagnosed with cancer. There is evidence that exercise can reduce the risk of relapse and death. Therefore, even those who were not physically active before can start exercising after the diagnosis and also get real benefits from it – sums up Wolin. (PAP)