Exorcising cancer - goodnews - Brief Article

Results of an excellent, long-term study show that men who are in the best shape are less likely to die from cancer, and women with greater body mass are at a considerably greater risk of a cancer fatality.

The study examined the relationship between fitness and obesity and the risk of dying from all types of cancer.

Fitness was determined by a treadmill test of heart condition given at the beginning of the 25-year study. Researchers also recorded the subjects' body mass index (BMI)--a measure used to gauge obesity.

Among men, the fittest proved to be about half as likely to die from cancer as the less fit men. Among women, fitness levels did not have a significant effect on cancer deaths; however, a woman's BMI at the start of the study did affect cancer fatality risk. Women with the highest BMIs--meaning women who were the most overweight-were close to 50 percent more likely to die from cancer than women with lower BMIs.

Diet is the usual focus of cancer risk reduction. But this study underscores the effect of fitness on avoiding a cancer-related death.

But how does fitness reduce cancer risk? In addition to decreasing body fat, physical activity may influence certain hormone and growth factor levels and help boost the immune system.

The study covered a lengthy period of time and included a large number of participants: 2,585 women and 2,890 men. It was conducted at the University of North Carolina, and the results were published in the February 2003 issue of the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

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