Vigorous physical activity may protect us against bowel cancer, say researchers with the University of Western Australia (UWA) and the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR).
Researchers examined 870 participants who had bowel cancer and a control group of 996 who did not have the disease.
Study participants were asked to answer questions about their recreational physical activity, lifestyle, diet, medication and occupation.
UWA PhD student Terry Boyle, also supported by the Lions Cancer Institute, says the study confirms previous research that shows the most physically active have a lower risk of bowel cancer than the least active.
“It also gives us some clues as to what types of activity are the most effective at reducing bowel cancer risk,” Mr Boyle says.
The study found people who performed regular vigorous physical activity over their lifetime had a 40 per cent reduced risk of cancer of the distal (lower) colon and rectum.
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Of the possible mechanisms linking physical activity and colon cancer, there is evidence to suggest that obesity and vitamin D may have a great effect on distal colon cancer than proximal colon cancer.
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Another finding showed physical activity performed after the age of 51 years, may be more beneficial in reducing the risk of distal colon cancer than physical activity performed earlier in life.
“This shows that it really is never too late to start being physically active,” Mr Boyle says.
Source-Medindia
