Regular Exercise Linked to Fewer Cancer Cases
8/26/2022
Ronda Fleck, M.D.
Only five hours a week of moderate exercise could help ward off a cancer diagnosis. A study published by Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, found strong evidence correlating physical activity to lower rates of cancer and other chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke and dementia.
Using self-reported data from 600,000 U.S. adults, the observational study estimates over 46,000 cancer cases could be avoided each year through regular physical activity. The study found lower rates of common cancers such as stomach, breast and colon in Americans 30 years or older who exercised 300 minutes, or five hours each week.
As a radiation oncologist, I treat numerous patients battling cancer, and I wish there was more education about prevention. We need to let people know that there are lifestyle changes they can make that can prevent certain types of cancer. For instance, incorporating regular physical activity into your everyday lifestyle can offer immediate and lasting benefits to your overall health. Exercise as simple as brisk walking, biking or even cleaning the house can help improve your health and decrease the chances of developing a chronic condition like cancer.
The National Cancer Institute also reports strong evidence linking high levels of physical activity to lower risk of cancers thanks to the biological effects it has on the body. Exercise can help improve the immune system and help prevent obesity and high blood levels of insulin which are all risk factors for cancer.
Beyond exercise, there are other lifestyle changes that can help prevent cancer. Avoid tobacco and secondhand smoke to reduce the chance of developing lung or throat cancer. Consider limiting alcohol to one drink or less per day for women and two drinks or less per day for men to avoid cancers like liver and kidney. Reduce the risk of skin cancer by limiting exposure to ultraviolet rays. When outside, wear sunscreen and cover any exposed skin with clothing, hats and sunglasses.
To find a primary care provider who can help you learn more about making healthy lifestyle changes, visit www.PecosValleyDocs.com.
Should you or a loved one need treatment for cancer, Carlsbad Medical Center does offer radiation oncology, and is currently the only center in Southeastern New Mexico to offer stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which is a highly targeted and ultra-precise therapy used to treat certain types of cancer. With SBRT, only 3-5 treatments are necessary to effectively treat early stage lung cancer. We are pleased to be able to provide these faster, more targeted and precise treatments close to home, reducing the hardship on patients who previously would have had to travel out of town for such treatment. For more information, call us at (575) 887-0272.
Carlsbad Medical Center is now offering a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox from a trusted medical source. I encourage you to subscribe by visiting www.carlsbadmedicalcenter.com/enewsletter-sign-up.
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