The usefulness of exercise has long been determined, and its role in the fight against many diseases is vital. For many, it can be a difference between leading a healthy life or battling against conditions that could have been delayed or prevented.
Regular exercise has been shown to lower the risks of certain cancers, including colon and breast cancers. In fact, being sedentary actually increases the risks of certain cancers, so it makes sense for everyone to be physically active when it concerns their health.
A Healthy Lifestyle to Prevent Cancer
There can be many factors as to why one is vulnerable to a disease like cancer, but there are also many ways in which you can better your defences. Regular exercise and physical activity does not just benefit your overall health, it also works in helping to stave off cancer.
People who exercise regularly will have an easier time managing their weight and preventing obesity from setting in. With a body with stronger muscles, bones, and joints, there is less risk of developing high blood pressure or diabetes. Heart disease will also become less of an issue.
Together with better psychological well-being due to endorphins, exercise also helps reduce inflammation and give your immune system a boost, which all works nicely together to keep cancer at bay.
The recommendation of at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week may be tough, but it is well worth the effort.
Exercise and Cancer Treatment
For those currently undergoing cancer treatment, it is not too late to incorporate exercise into your journey to become stronger and fight back against the disease. By being involved in physical activity, you can actually enhance the effects of your treatment in the long run.
Regular exercise has shown to help in the following areas:
- Reduces cancer-related fatigue
- Reduces risk of new cancers
- Reduces treatment side effects such as weakness and limb swelling
- Improves ability to complete cancer treatments
- Improves survival for some cancers (e.g. breast, prostate and colorectal cancer)
- Improves heart and bone function
- Improves mood and sense of wellbeing
- Reduces the risk of cancer recurrence, particularly for breast, colon and prostate cancers, due to weight control
Protect Your Health With Exercise
It is key to keep yourself healthy, and exercise is one of the best ways to do that. For those looking to ensure that cancer does not rear its ugly head, or for those trying to get a boost in the fight against such diseases, exercise is your new best friend.
Start getting active today, and you will see many benefits along the way!
