Articles
Study Explains Why Exercising Aids in Colon Cancer Survival
A recent study published in the journal Gut explains why exercising
can increase a person's chances of surviving colon cancer. The
gist is that physical activity decreases insulin-like growth
factor 1 (IGF-1) and increases insulin-like growth factor binding
protein (IGFBP-3). Why does anybody care about
IGF-1 and IGFBP-3?
Our bodies are made up of billions of cells that
grow, divide, and then die in a predictable manner. This process
keeps us healthy. Cancer occurs when something goes wrong
with this system, causing uncontrolled cell division and growth.
The cells lump together and form a mass of extra tissue, also
known as a tumor, which continues to grow. You can think of
IGF-1 as tumor fertilizer and IGFBP-3 as a wave that washes
that fertilizer away.
How much of a difference can exercising make?
Researchers in this study analyzed the medical records
of approximately 450 colon cancer patients and found that
among those who were physically active, an increase in IGFBP-3
was associated with 48% fewer deaths from colon cancer. This
study did not address the role of exercise in preventing colorectal
cancer. For information on that topic, you may want to read
Exercising to Prevent Colorectal Cancer.
|
