Exercise ‘cuts colon cancer risk’

Being physically active cuts the risk of developing colon cancer by over one-fifth, scientists have found.

After analysing data from 413,000 Europeans, researchers from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (Epic) organisation found that the risk of colon cancer fell by 22 per cent among those exercising vigorously for one hour or moderately for two hours every day.

Exercise only helped right-sided colon cancer, however, having no effect on rectal cancer.

“We were particularly interested in the results that we found for different parts of the colon and rectum which were not feasible in previous studies because of the smaller sample sizes and lack of data on the position of tumours,” Professor Elio Riboli, Epic co-ordinator, said.

“The protective effect of physical activity on colon but not on rectal cancer is in agreement with our previous results on colorectal cancer risk in relation to obesity and insuline resistance that also showed specific association with colon cancer risk.”

Cancer Research UK, who helped fund the research, pointed out that even small changes in daily life could make a big difference in helping lower cancer risk.

“This is a very large study which should remove any doubt about the benefits of exercise in relation to reducing the risk of bowel cancer,” Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK’s director of information, said.

“It is important for people to understand that they can take steps in their daily routine to reduce cancer risk.”

Bowel cancer is the most common type of cancer in men, and the second most common type in women, according to Cancer Research UK. Around 21,500 cases of colon cancer are reported every year in Britain.