Physical activity and the risk of cancer
The National Cancer Institute has summarized the effects.
Colon cancer
- Physical activity may protect against colon cancer and tumor development in several ways.
- Through its role in energy balance
- Hormone metabolism
- Insulin regulation
- Decreasing the time the colon is exposed to potential carcinogens.
- Physical activity alters inflammatory and immune factors, some of which may influence colon cancer risk.
Breast cancer
- Physical activity may prevent tumor development by lowering hormone levels, particularly in premenopausal women.
- Lower levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I)
- Improving the immune response
- Assist with weight maintenance to avoid a high body mass and excess body fat
More about these and other forms of cancer are discussed in the article.
11/9/11 22:14 JR
