Health Science

The Anti-Colon Cancer Effects of Exercise

Learn how exercise can reduce the risk of colon cancer and improve outcomes for patients with colon cancer. Discover the types of exercises that may be the most beneficial by Jaylee Kemp
Estimated reading time: 2 min 36 sec
The Anti-Colon Cancer Effects of Exercise Photo by Michelle Leman on Pexels

Exercise has numerous benefits for the body and mind. One of the lesser-known benefits of exercise is its ability to reduce the risk of colon cancer and potentially improve outcomes for patients with colon cancer.

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. The colon is part of the large intestine, which is responsible for processing waste products from the body.

Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women in the United States.

How does exercise reduce the risk of colon cancer?

Studies have shown that exercise can help to reduce the risk of colon cancer by 30-40%. There are several ways in which exercise may have this effect:.

  • Exercise can help to lower levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factors, which have been linked to the development of colon cancer.
  • Exercise can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which has also been linked to colon cancer.
  • Exercise can help to improve bowel function and reduce the time that waste products spend in the colon.
  • Exercise can help to boost the immune system, which can play a role in fighting cancer cells.
  • Exercise can help to reduce obesity, which is a risk factor for colon cancer.

The link between exercise and improved outcomes for colon cancer patients

Studies have also shown that exercise can have a beneficial effect on patients who have already been diagnosed with colon cancer. For example:.

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  • Exercise has been shown to improve survival rates in patients with colon cancer.
  • Exercise can help to reduce the risk of colon cancer recurrence.
  • Exercise can improve quality of life in colon cancer patients by reducing symptoms such as fatigue and depression.

How much exercise is needed?

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

However, studies have shown that even 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day can be effective in reducing the risk of colon cancer.

Types of exercise that may be most beneficial

While any type of exercise can be beneficial for reducing the risk of colon cancer, some types may be more effective than others. For example:.

  • Aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, or cycling, has been shown to be effective in improving outcomes for colon cancer patients.
  • Resistance training, such as weight lifting, can help to build muscle and reduce the risk of sarcopenia, a condition that can occur in cancer patients and lead to muscle wasting.
  • Yoga and mindfulness practices can help to reduce stress and improve mental health, which can in turn have a positive effect on overall health and cancer outcomes.

Conclusion

Exercise has numerous benefits for overall health, including a reduced risk of colon cancer and improved outcomes for colon cancer patients.

It is recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, but even 30 minutes of exercise per day can be effective in reducing the risk of colon cancer. Types of exercise that may be most beneficial include aerobic exercise, resistance training, and yoga/mindfulness practices.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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