Cancer is one of the most dangerous and deadly diseases affecting people all over the world.

With the increase in the number of people who are being diagnosed with cancer, there has been a lot of research conducted to determine the various ways to prevent its occurrence. One of the preventive measures that have been found to be effective in reducing the risk of cancer is exercise.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the body grow uncontrollably, damaging the tissues and organs. The cancer cells can also travel to other parts of the body and form new tumors.

Cancer can occur in any part of the body and affects people of all ages and ethnicities.

How does Exercise help prevent Cancer?

Exercise has been found to be an effective way to prevent the occurrence of cancer. Exercise can help reduce the risk of cancer in several ways:.

1. Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for several types of cancers, including breast, colon, and kidney cancer. Exercise can help reduce the risk of cancer by reducing body weight and abdominal fat.

A healthy diet combined with regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, which in turn reduces the risk of cancer.

2. Boosting the Immune System

The immune system plays a crucial role in fighting cancer. Exercise can boost the immune system, which helps the body fight cancer cells. The immune system identifies and removes the cancer cells from the body before they can cause any damage.

3. Reducing Inflammation

Inflammation is a known risk factor for several types of cancer. Exercise can help reduce inflammation in the body, which in turn helps reduce the risk of cancer.

Regular exercise helps reduce the level of inflammatory markers in the body and improves overall health.

4. Regulating Hormone Levels

Hormones play a crucial role in the development of some types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer. Exercise helps regulate hormone levels in the body, which reduces the risk of cancer.

5. Reducing Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a condition where the body cannot use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance can increase the risk of several types of cancer, including liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer.

Exercise helps regulate insulin levels in the body, reducing insulin resistance and the risk of cancer.

What Type of Exercise is Best for Cancer Prevention?

Any type of physical activity can help reduce the risk of cancer. However, some types of exercise are more effective than others. Aerobic exercise is best for cancer prevention, as it helps reduce body fat and inflammation.

Resistance training is also beneficial, as it helps build muscle mass and reduces the risk of insulin resistance.

How Much Exercise is Needed for Cancer Prevention?

The American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week for cancer prevention.

Moderate-intensity exercise includes activities such as brisk walking, cycling, and swimming, while vigorous-intensity exercise includes activities such as running, dancing, and playing sports.

Conclusion

Exercise is an effective way to prevent the occurrence of cancer. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, regulate hormone levels, and reduce insulin resistance.

Any type of physical activity can be beneficial for cancer prevention, but aerobic exercise and resistance training have been found to be the most effective. The American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week for cancer prevention.