Exercise May Cut Your Risk of Bowel Cancer

Here's another reason to exercise more! Washington University School of medicine researchers published an analysis of pooled data from clinical studies examining the link between exercise levels and the occurrence of bowel polyps. They have published their results online in the British Journal of Cancer.

A systematic literature review yielded 20 published studies on possible links between physical activity and colon adenoma. Analysis showed that people who took regular exercise were 16% less likely to develop bowel polyps, and 30% less likely to develop large or advanced polyps, which are more likely to develop into colorectal cancer. The overall risk reduction was similar in men (19% less) and women (13% less).

The beneficial association between regular exercise and polyp reduction was reported in a number of the studies, but this pooled analysis provides the most accurate figures yet showing that low exercise levels are linked to bowel polyps. An active lifestyle has long been known to protect against colorectal cancer, and this analysis shows that a reduction in polyps is the most likely explanation for this. It's possible that the effect is related to a boost in the immune, decreased bowel inflammation, and/or reduced insulin levels – all factors known to have an effect on bowel polyp risk.

In case you're asking, 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily – brisk walking or anything that leaves you slightly out of breath – is considered "regular exercise". And there are, of course, plenty of other benefits.