Housework, a chore that must people dread, has been linked to reducing the risk of certain forms of uterine cancer. Another study reinforced past findings that showed exercise has lowered the risk of many forms of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. A 20 percent reduction in endometrial cancer was discovered among adults who exercised and maintained an active lifestyle. Other studies showed that walking and everyday household chores reduced the likelihood of endometrial cancer, a cancer of the lining of the uterus, by as much as 40 percent.
The study included 974 Shanghai women, aged 30 to 69, who were questioned about their current exercise program, as well as the extent of exercise they engaged in as teenagers. These women were compared to other women similar in age. Results from the study showed that the women who walked for more than 60 minutes each day and completed four or more hours of housework a day, had lowered their risk of endometrial cancer by 30 percent.
Accumulated evidence over the years has also shown that an active lifestyle can reduce the risk of other cancers such as colon and breast cancer.
Extra body fat has been associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer, however exercise has been found to be helpful in countering some of these risks. Exercise has been noted as a valuable option in deterring certain types of cancer and may increase the survival rates of women with breast cancer.
Another study involved 2,296 breast cancer patients who were followed from 1986 until they died or until June 2002. The study concluded that the women who walked for one hour a week were 19 percent less likely to die, while women who exercised for three hours a week were 54 percent less likely to die of breast cancer.
Reuters March 29, 2004
I am glad to see another study supporting the benefits exercise has on cancer prevention. Exercise, and even more moderate activities such as housework, have been proven to reduce all types of cancer risks.
One of the biggest obstacles facing someone who hasn’t exercised in some time is how to get started, and walking is a great way to get more activity into your day. Of course, if you’re already in shape, you’ll need to walk for more than two hours a day to achieve significant health benefits, so in that case you may want to choose a more vigorous activity such as jogging or using an elliptical machine.
Once you’ve achieved a high level of stamina with walking at a regular pace, you might want to try increasing your pace. You could also improve the intensity of your walking by using a treadmill that offers different incline settings.
From there, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can move up to running, which is my personal favorite and has been since 1968. I enjoy it because it is one of the most efficient and inexpensive ways to stay healthy and the only equipment required is a good pair of running shoes. If you decide to take up running, it is important to replace your running shoes every six months because using them any longer than that will put you at increased risk of injury.
In addition to a routine exercise program, a diet rich in fresh, whole foods is very important. Once you’ve established a nutritious eating program you will find that you have more energy and are able to exercise longer.
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