New research: Vigorous physical activity lowers risk of colon cancer
A study published in BMC Public Health has found that regular physical activity that raises the heart rate and makes a person “huff and puff” can significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer — no matter what their body weight.
The study of more than 200,000 adults, conducted by Cancer Council NSW, found that as little as 10 minutes of vigorous physical activity a day lowered the risk of developing colon cancer by 22 per cent.
Dr Visalini Nair-Shalliker, the lead researcher, said that “two of the biggest risk factors for colon cancer - physical inactivity and obesity - were found to be independent of each other.” She went on to say that “this means anybody can get the benefits from physical activity regardless of their body weight
The Cancer Council recommends aiming for 60 minutes of moderate or 30 minutes of vigorous physical activity every day.