Studies Look at Exercise and Cancer Risk

New research offers some insight into the link between exercise and cancer risk. Some scientists think that inflammation may be the link between too little exercise and higher cancer risk. The new study was presented November 4 at a conference of the American Institute for Cancer Research. Women who were past the age of menopause were randomly assigned to two groups. One group continued normal activity levels. The other group exercised for at least 45 minutes, 5 times per week. Women who did the exercise had lower levels of C-reactive protein. This protein is linked to inflammation levels. The study did not track people long enough to assess cancer risk. Prior research studies suggest regular exercise combined with more daily physical activity might decrease colon cancer risk by as much as 35% and breast cancer risk by 25%. USA Today and HealthDay News wrote about the research.