Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in both men and women. This cancer usually develops over a long period of time and is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Although there are different treatments for colon cancer, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, prevention is still the best option. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of colon cancer, but how much exercise is enough? Can exercise really reduce the risk of death from colon cancer? Let’s explore this topic in more detail.

How Does Exercise Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer?

There are several ways in which exercise can help prevent colon cancer. First of all, exercise can help regulate insulin levels and reduce inflammation in the body, which are both known risk factors for colon cancer.

Secondly, exercise can help promote regular bowel movements and reduce the time that waste products stay in the colon, which can also reduce the risk of colon cancer. Lastly, exercise can help strengthen the immune system, which can help the body fight against cancer cells.

What Type of Exercise is Best for Reducing the Risk of Colon Cancer?

Any type of exercise is better than no exercise when it comes to reducing the risk of colon cancer. However, some types of exercise may be more effective than others.

For example, studies have shown that both aerobic exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming, and resistance exercise, such as weightlifting, can help reduce the risk of colon cancer. It’s also important to note that it’s not just the intensity of the exercise that matters, but also the frequency and duration.

For best results, it’s recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week.

Can Exercise Reduce the Risk of Death from Colon Cancer?

Now that we know that exercise can help reduce the risk of colon cancer, the next question is whether it can also reduce the risk of death from colon cancer.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2017 found that patients with stage III colon cancer who engaged in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise six days a week had a 50% lower risk of death than those who didn’t exercise at all.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2018 found that patients with metastatic colon cancer who engaged in at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week had a 57% lower risk of death than those who didn’t exercise at all. These findings suggest that exercise can not only help prevent colon cancer but also improve survival rates for those who have already been diagnosed with colon cancer.

Conclusion

In summary, exercise is an effective way to reduce the risk of colon cancer and improve survival rates for those who have already been diagnosed with colon cancer.

Any type of exercise is better than no exercise, but for best results, it’s recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week. So, if you want to reduce your risk of colon cancer and improve your overall health, make sure to include exercise in your daily routine.