Cancer has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Various researches have shown that exercise reduces the risk of various types of cancer. Among them, lung and bowel cancer are some of the most common and dangerous types of cancers.
But can exercise really lower the risk of developing these cancers? In this article, we will explore the link between exercise and the risk of lung and bowel cancer.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled division and spread of abnormal cells. These abnormal cells can develop into tumors, invade nearby tissues, and even spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer can occur in any part of the body, and there are various types of cancer, including lung cancer and bowel cancer.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It develops in the lungs when abnormal cells grow out of control and form a tumor.
The main cause of lung cancer is smoking, but exposure to air pollution, radiation, and workplace toxins can also increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
What is Bowel Cancer?
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, starts in the colon or rectum. It happens when the cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control and form a tumor.
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The main risk factors include age, family history, obesity, and a diet high in red and processed meat.
How Exercise Lowers the Risk of Lung Cancer
A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Exercise can help reduce the risk of developing lung cancer by promoting healthy lung function.
When you exercise, you increase your breathing rate and strengthen your respiratory muscles, which can improve your lung capacity and function. Exercise can also help reduce inflammation in the body, which has been linked to lung cancer.
Regular exercise can also help reduce the risk of developing certain types of lung cancer.
Research has shown that regular aerobic exercise, such as cycling, running, and swimming, can help reduce the risk of developing non-small cell lung cancer, which is the most common type of lung cancer.
How Exercise Lowers the Risk of Bowel Cancer
Like lung cancer, a sedentary lifestyle can also increase the risk of developing bowel cancer. Exercise can help lower the risk of developing bowel cancer by promoting healthy digestion and reducing inflammation in the body.
Regular exercise can also help lower the levels of insulin and other growth factors that can stimulate the growth of cancer cells in the colon and rectum.
Research has shown that regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer by as much as 25%.
The American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week to lower the risk of developing bowel cancer.
The Benefits of Regular Exercise
Exercise has numerous benefits for overall health and can help lower the risk of several types of cancer, including lung and bowel cancer. Regular exercise can:.
- Improve lung function
- Reduce inflammation in the body
- Lower the levels of insulin and other growth factors
- Promote healthy digestion
- Strengthen the immune system
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve mood and sleep
Conclusion
Exercise is crucial for maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of developing several types of cancer, including lung and bowel cancer.
A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of these cancers, but regular exercise can help promote healthy lung function, reduce inflammation, and lower the levels of insulin and other growth factors. The American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week to lower the risk of developing bowel cancer. So, get moving and start exercising to reduce your risk of cancer.