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Regular exercise reduces risk of developing cancer by 50 per cent

Lorna Duckworth,Social Affairs Correspondent
Saturday 19 October 2002 00:00 BST
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People who take regular exercise can reduce their risk of cancer by as much as 50 per cent, research suggests.

Academics at the University of Bristol found physical activity significantly reduced the risk of bowel cancer and may help prevent breast, prostate, lung and endometrial cancer. Moderate activity also helped patients recover from cancer. The researchers reviewed 182 studies on exercise and cancer prevention.

Professor Ken Fox, who led the study, said: "Physical activity is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle and we have found a growing body of evidence that indicates its importance in keeping cancer at bay."

Now Cancer Research UK is funding work on the benefits of physical activity for cancer patients. An analysis of 15 studies on physical activity and general cancer prevention showed people who were active at work or in their free time could dramatically cut the risk of cancer.

Researchers also found compelling evidence from 37 out of 51 studies on bowel cancer that regular exercise could cut the risk of developing the disease by 40 per cent to 50 per cent. "The data suggests that lack of physical activity alone could be a major risk factor for the disease," Professor Fox said.

His team also looked at 52 studies on exercise and breast cancer cases and found women who exercised regularly had a 30 per cent reduction in the risk of getting the disease.

Generally, the benefits were stronger for post-menopausal women than for those younger, although women who exercised through their lives had a reduced risk.

Six out of 11 studies on lung cancer and exercise showed that moderate activity could reduce the risk of developing the disease by as much as 40 per cent. Exercise also offered a small protective effect from prostate cancer and cancer of the womb lining.

Professor Fox said: "People should aim to engage in physical activity of at least a moderate intensity for approximately 30 minutes on three or more days a week throughout their lifetime."

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