Exercise to prevent premature death from cancer

A study from Finland has shown that men who exercised for at least 30 minutes a day at moderate to high intensity halved their risk of dying prematurely from cancer, mainly gastrointestinal and lung cancer.
The results were published online July 28, 2009 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine."We found a 50% reduction in the risk of dying prematurely from cancer," Dr. Kurl pointed out. Exercise also improves well being and confidence, and leads to better sleep and weight control, he added.

About the study:

• Total studied: 2560 men
• Age range:  42 to 60 years
• Town: Kupio

They self-reported their leisure-time physical activities on questionnaires over a period of 1 year, and were then followed for an average of 16.7 years, during which time there were 181 cancer-related deaths.
The reduction in the risk for premature death from cancer was seen in men who exercised for more than 30 minutes every day, and with an intensity that was moderate to high
Exercise increases the F-series of Prostaglandins (PGF) but decreases the PGE2 series, and these physiologic events have been shown to increase gut motility and to decrease colonic cell division, the researchers point out.