Exercise Can Help Prevent These 7 Types of Cancers

According to a study done by cancer.org, 86% of cancer incidents in the United States are diagnosed in individuals 50 years and above. The disease is also noted as one that can bring about a great deal of emotional stress and distraught not just with the patient, but with his or her family and loved ones as well.

Cancer detection, treatment, and palliative care has been elusive and can be quite expensive. But did you know that most cancer can be prevented just by simply changing one’s lifestyle? It’s an effort worth undertaking, especially for those planning for their future long term care needs.

Here are seven types of cancers that can be prevented by just simply switching over to a healthier lifestyle:

Colorectal Cancer

Also known as colon cancer, this type of cancer usually stems from advanced age and a person’s unhealthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that there is a lower possibility of contracting colorectal cancer when people switch to a healthier standard of living. A healthier lifestyle includes proper diet and exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Individuals who participate in such activities can notice a lowered risk of acquiring colorectal cancer by around 23%.

Breast Cancer

According to breastcancer.org, an estimated figure of 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer is to be diagnosed this year in the female population in the United States. Breast cancer is caused by a variety of risk factors which includes: genetics, age, obesity, dietary patterns, high levels of certain hormones, etc.

Exercise can help lower the possibility of breast cancer by regulating the levels of hormones in the body. Also, some studies have shown that by engaging in numerous physical activities and exercise for at least 30 minutes a day can help reduce the risk of getting breast cancer by around 25%.

Ovarian Cancer

Several studies sourced online suggest that women who take part of highly intensive exercise routine are less prone to ovarian cancer. This idea can be traced to indications that propose a correlation between exercise and epithelial cell ovarian cancer.

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer, which is the cancer of the lining along the uterine wall, has been on the rise. Studies have shown that 39% of Endometrial Cancer is caused by obesity and an increase in body mass index (BMI).

It is only natural that exercise can help prevent this type of cancer; that by merely achieving an ideal body mass index (BMI) can lower the risk of being diagnosed by around 73%, compared to those who are considered overweight. It is suggested that by exercising 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week, can help lower the likelihood of getting endometrial cancer by around 34%.

Prostate Cancer

There are various risk factors for prostate cancer, which includes: genetics, dietary pattern, and other factors. Some dietary factors have been linked to prostate cancer, although such pieces of evidences are still inconclusive and require further research.

Some studies show that those in the male population who partake in a steady amount of daily physical activity had a lower risk of developing advanced prostate cancer when compared to those who had little to no exercise.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer, which has been proven to be caused by long-term exposure to tobacco smoke, can be mitigated by proper exercise. People, who take part in moderate to intense workout sessions, have a lower risk of developing lung cancer, to both smokers and non-smokers alike.

Gastric Cancer

Also known as stomach cancer, some studies have shown a correlation between exercise and gastric cancer. It has been suggested that intensive exercise can help lower the likelihood of contracting stomach cancer between 20% – 40%.

Prevention is better than cure – the same thought applies for cancer as well. Just by simply adhering to a proper diet and exercise regime can save a patient (and his or her loved ones) from the stress that is brought about by cancer. It is never too late to start living a healthier life.

Additional Steps

Concerning preparation, a key component in securing a brighter future means taking the necessary steps that long term care needs are addressed. Consider looking up information about retirement and LTC planning – you can start by reading our article about retirement.

Alternatively, reading up on the perks of keeping fit (with the bonus of the elderly themselves staying and keeping in shape) can serve as a motivational tool even during the retirement years. Having a positive mindset is necessary during exercise regimes, even more so for seniors who are more prone to emotional triggers (depression and the like) due to aging. We have recently compiled some informative links on that topic in our last roundup.

What do you think about the elderly and cancer prevention? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!