How Exercise Can Lower Cancer Rates

Exercise seems to be a very important thing. Whether it is improved heart health and lowering blood pressure or something as superficial as looking better, we all know that there are countless benefits to getting a healthy amount of regular exercise. These benefits are now being compounded by new discoveries; findings that show that exercise may both fight and prevent a number of cancers.

Any form of cancer, is essentially a disease in which cells of the body grow and divide at an unnatural rate. These irregularities in cell division are often promoted by other chemical irregularities in the body. By regulating levels of chemicals within the body such as insulin, prostaglandins (muscle mediating compounds found throughout the body) and bile acid; exercise helps limit a number of cancers. Gastric cancer, lung cancer and even testicular mesothelioma are all likelier to develop in bodies that have imbalances in those and other chemicals that are regulated by workouts. Workouts also limit digestive and colon cancers. This is because they promote movement through the digestive system. This limits the amount of time that cancerous agents are present in the body, thus, limiting the chances of these cancers occurring. As an added incentive, The American Cancer Society recently added a recommendation of exercising 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for cancer prevention.

The benefits of physical activity are not only limited to those looking to prevent cancer, it can also be extended to those fighting it. Exercise for patients dealing with cancer and battling remission can be very beneficial. While doctors at one point theorized that it would be best for those with cancer to conserve their energy; they are, for the most part, going back on that previous sentiment. As exercise increases serotonin levels, it can be very beneficial to the thoughts and outlook of people battling cancer. Giving one a little more confidence has shown to increase their ability to beat cancer. Also, in a study of 242 women affected by breast cancer, chemotherapy levels were shown to improve with a regiment of frequent light exercise.

Light exercises such as regular walks and jogs, light weight training and even stretching exercises such as yoga are all beneficial. The benefits of exercise on cancer are often corollary, and while we are still learning all the ways exercise can help the body there has been a noticeable connection to helping with cancer. It is important to lead a healthy, carcinogen-free lifestyle and above all, listen to your doctor’s orders; however, as we are starting to see, getting a little more exercise couldn’t hurt.