Harvard researchers (reporting in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, in January 2011) discovered that men with a diagnosis of prostate cancer who exercised at least 3-hours each week decreased their risk of dying from prostate cancer by 61% compared to those who exercised less than 1-hour per week. Additionally, performing 3 or more hours of exercise each week conveyed a 46% reduction in risk of dying of any cause.
Although the authors stated that these results were limited to those who performed “vigorous” physical activity for at least 3-hours each week, participating in less vigorous exercise (i.e. walking, jogging, biking, gardening) for even 15-minutes each day was also protective against the risk of dying of any cause.
Similar findings were recently reported (in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, in December 2010) for colorectal cancer. Investigators found that among individuals who conducted regular physical activity (for 10-years or more) there was a significantly lower risk of developing colorectal cancer, and that regular exercise (for 15-years or more) was associated with a 50% reduction in the risk of dying from colorectal cancer.
One of the main topics of discussion during an integrative oncology consultation is on the importance of physical activity and exercise. Stay up to date on new information on exercise and cancer on the IOE.
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