Although overall cancer death rates have dropped nearly 20% over the past 15-20 years, deaths from specific types of cancer that are associated with obesity continue to rise. It turns out Resistance Exercise may further reduce overall cancer deaths despite elevated Body Mass Index (BMI), and hence impact the rate of cancer-related deaths regardless of obesity.
Researchers at the Cooper Institute tracked 8,677 men between the ages of 20 and 82 over a 23-year period beginning in 1980. The data was obtained as part of the Aerobics Centre Longitudinal Study. Information on the participants muscle strength and adiposity were correlated with the incidence of cancer death over the study period. Strength was assessed using the 1-repetition maximum for both the bench press and leg press exercises. Body mass index along with body fat percentage and waist circumference was used to determine adiposity.
Over the study period, men with the greatest strength associated with regular resistance exercise were 30-40% less likely to die from a cancerous tumor. This benefit remained after accounting for adiposity.
Previous research has identified connections between aerobic exercise and weight loss on the incidence of cancer deaths. The researchers suggest that men regularly participate in Resistance Exercise at least twice weekly to achieve the benefits uncovered in this study.
Ruiz, J.R. et al (2009) Muscular Strength and Adiposity as Predictors of Adulthood Cancer Mortality in Men. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention 18(5):1468–76
This is very informative and beneficial to people. Thanks for this great article!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Could you please give me some tips for a healthier lifestyle and how I can prevent myself from getting cancer?
ReplyDelete