Although experts are still trying to understand the mechanisms, we know that sex hormones play an important role in breast cancer and endometrial cancer, for example.
“Physical activity reduces the amount of circulating estrogen, which is very strongly associated with common types of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer,” explains Professor Lynch.
We also know that people with metabolic disorders such as impaired insulin signaling and type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop colorectal cancer, and that physical activity increases insulin sensitivity.
Next, there is inflammation, which is involved in the development of many cancers.
“Our skeletal muscles produce anti-inflammatory peptides, which are excreted during exercise,” Lynch says. “This may be a pathway by which exercise increases skeletal muscle and reduces inflammation.”
Professor Rob Newton, deputy director of Edith Cowan University's Institute of Exercise Medicine, said any type of activity reduces risk, but muscle mass is important in a cancer-controlling environment, so regular says that physical strength training may be particularly effective.
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He added that physical activity has a “huge impact” on the functioning of the immune system. “If we had a more effective surveillance system that could identify and destroy these precancerous cells, they would not progress to malignancy.”
Despite this, physical activity has received little attention in cancer prevention. “This is an issue that we really need to address…We can't keep throwing drugs at these things,” Newtown says.
The data are “staggering” but the results are not surprising, said Ainsley Sartori, deputy chair of the Cancer Council's nutrition, alcohol and physical activity committee. “These findings will prove vital in cancer prevention policies that encourage physical activity among Australians.”
There is now a national physical movement to inform governments about creating systems that encourage people to be active, including eliminating car-based cities, improving cycleways, increasing public transport and access to green spaces. There are no plans.
To address this, Mr Sartori and Mr Lynch are calling on governments to implement a National Preventive Health Strategy, which recommends physical activity policies, urban design, education and support to promote and enable people's mobility. There is.
That's essential, Sartori says. “To promote a better environment for physical activity and help Australians build better habits.” [will] It can help reduce your risk of future cancer and ultimately save lives. ”
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