Oct 20, 2018 2 min read

Cancer runs in my family. Does exercise help to reduce my risk?

Actually, it does. According to the National Cancer Institute, there is evidence that higher levels of activity can reduce the risk of some cancers. Among those affected are colon, breast and endometrial cancers. The affects can be significant – up to 24 percent lower risk. For other cancers, the evidence is more limited on how beneficial it may be.

Increased activity levels have been shown to reduce levels of insulin and estrogen, prevent obesity, reduce inflammation and improve your immune system. Each of these reductions are great for overall health to begin with, but are also factors in cancer risk. Thus, your risk is reduced in part by these benefits.

To get these benefits, the U.S. Department of Health suggests 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.

Exercise is also very beneficial for cancer survivors. It can reduce the risk of recurrence or progression of cancer. One study found that three to five hours of moderate-paced walking per week reduced breast cancer recurrence rates by 40 to 50 percent. How you are feeling may go hand-in-hand with how much activity you are able to do, but chances are that the more active you are, the better you begin to feel.

If you have a question you would like the experts at Anytime Fitness in Washington to answer, email washingtonpa@anytimefitness.com.