Exercise ‘can beat colon cancer’

Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of colon cancer by almost a quarter, American scientists have said.

Research published in the British Journal of Cancer says physical activity can cut the likelihood of the condition – the most common kind of bowel tumour – by 24 per cent.

Scientists reviewed the results of 52 previous studies on exercise and colon cancer risk to make a comprehensive calculation of the impact of physical activity in men and women.

The study used different methods to quantify the amounts of exercise people took. One study considered the most active people to be those who walked briskly for five to six hours a week in comparison to those who walked for 30 minutes a week or less.

Dr Kathleen Wolin, study author from Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, said: “These results give us a very reliable calculation of the positive effect that exercise can have on reducing colon cancer risk.”

She added she hoped the findings will encourage people to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, as well as lowering the danger of having the condition.