Normal activities can reduce risk of cancers – Research
A recent study found a correlation between engaging in leisure-time physical activity like swimming, running, or walking and a reduced risk of several cancer types. Physical activity is not only good for preventing heart disease and other lifestyle diseases, according to Dr. Steven Moore of the National Institute of Health (NIH), but it is also now linked to a lower risk of up to 13 different cancers.
To estimate the risk of cancer, the researchers combined the data from 12 studies that collectively followed 1.44 million people over time. Participants in the study, whose ages ranged from 19 to 98, were asked how much time they spent engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity during their free time. Age, smoking, drinking, diet, and education were all taken into account by the researchers.
A follow-up of roughly ten years revealed 187,000 new cases of cancer. Those who engaged in the most physical activity during their free time had a lower risk of 13 of the 26 types of cancer than those who did the least.
Meanwhile, the risk of seven cancers, namely, esophageal adenocarcinoma, liver, lung, kidney, gastric cardia, endometrial, and myeloid leukemia, was 20% lower in those with the highest levels of activity. Additionally, they had a 10–20% lower risk of developing myeloma, as well as head and neck, rectum, bladder, and breast cancers.
Moore consequently advocated for the promotion of physical activity as a part of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of cancer among health care professionals who counsel inactive adults.
Source: newsinhealth.nih.gov
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