Exercise ‘can protect against bowel cancer’
Those who lead an active lifestyle are far less likely to have large or advanced polyps in the bowel, which can lead to bowel cancer.
The research, published in the British Journal of Cancer, was carried out by experts at the Washington University School of Medicine in the US.
They analysed data from 20 studies and found people who lead sedentary lifestyles are more likely to have growths. People who took regular exercise were 16% less likely to develop bowel polyps and 30% less likely to develop large or advanced polyps which are more likely to develop into cancer.
Lead author Professor Kathleen Wolin said: “We’ve long known that an active lifestyle can protect against bowel cancer but this study is the first to look at all the available evidence and show that a reduction in bowel polyps is the most likely explanation for this.
“Exercise has many benefits, including boosting the immune system, decreasing inflammation in the bowel and helping to reduce insulin levels, all factors which we know are likely to have an effect on bowel polyp risk. We hope these results will encourage more people to enjoy the many benefits of regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, including a reduction in bowel cancer risk.”
Sara Hiom, director of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: “Evidence shows that keeping active could help to prevent thousands of cases of cancer every year and this study adds weight to evidence showing regular exercise can substantially cut the risk of bowel cancer.
“We’d recommend doing at least half an hour’s moderate exercise a day.
“Getting enough physical activity will also help you keep a healthy weight, which is one of the most important ways of reducing the risk of cancer.”
Deborah Alsina, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said: “This is very good news. We know from previous research that exercise can help reduce the risk of bowel cancer and we welcome the fact that physical activity can now also be linked to developing less large or advanced polyps.
“Evidence also shows that the combination of taking more exercise and having a healthy diet may protect against bowel cancer, as well as weight gain and obesity.
“It is also important that people take part in the screening programme, if eligible, as screening is an effective means of detecting polyps at an early stage.
“These polyps can easily be removed,” she added.
