How Does Fitness Affect Your Risk of Colon Cancer?
A recent study has linked past fitness habits and current physical activity to a lower risk of colorectal cancer. The research shows promising insight into more ways that you can lower your personal risk of developing one of the deadliest cancers.
Study participants who had at least an hour of physical activity a day from age 12 to 22 had a lower risk of adenoma by 7%. Adenoma are polyps that are often used as a prerequisite to colon cancer. Those who started having more physical exercise in their adult lives were able to reduce their adenoma by 9%. Participants in the group who maintained activity from their childhood to their adult lives reduced their risk by 24%.
The study shows that it’s never too late to start exercising because it can have a cumulative effect on your health. Start upping the physical activity in your life by walking a few times a week and building up to more rigorous cardiovascular exercise:
- Swimming
- Running
- Hiking
- Rowing
- Cycling
- Cross-country skiing
Find an exercise that you enjoy doing and incorporate it into your everyday life to reduce your risk of colon cancer. Your health, and your family, will thank you.
Stayed up-to-date on other colorectal cancer news and research with the Colon Cancer Foundation blog.
