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Can exercise reduce your risk
of colorectal cancer?
A number of studies have indicated a relationship between colon cancer and exercise.
One study "looked at over 17,000 Harvard alumni, aged 30-79 years who were followed prospectively for the occurrence of colon cancer and rectal cancer. They found that physical activity based on self-reported stair climbing, walking and sports play was not associated with a change in risk for colon cancer. On the other hand, highly active individuals" (energy expenditure of greater than 2500 kilocalories per week) "had half the incidence of those that expended less than 1000 kilocalories per week". (What most lay persons call a calorie is technically a kilocalorie, or Kcal.) "Bottom line: in this large study, vigorous activity was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of developing colon cancer."
Another study, (from Stanford University - Whittemore et al. 1990), "looked at colon cancer risks among Chinese men and women living both in the People's Republic of China, and the Western United States. This study looked at exercise and diet as risk factors for colon cancer. The findings indicate that the group that spent the most time sitting (reflecting sedentary lifestyles and occupations) had the highest incidence of colon cancer."
www.alternative-cancer-treatments.com
According to the American Cancer Society: "Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days. This helps speed food through the digestive tract, so any cancer-causing agents in food don't have time to do much damage. And, you should maintain a healthy body weight because being overweight can increase your colorectal cancer risk." www.cancer.org
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