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Exercise and Cervical Cancer
Minimize Your Risk for Cervical Cancer with Exercise
According to the first U.S. case-controlled study, that has been published in the Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease, women who do not engage in regular physical activity have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.
According to study author J. Brian Szender, MD, MPH, a fellow in the Department of Gynecologic Oncology at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York, even a minimum of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per week led to a significant reduction in a woman’s risk of a cervical cancer diagnosis.
So how does exercise reduce your risk? Staying active throughout the day can help you feel better and reduce your risk for diseases like cancer. Exercise reduces your risk of cancer because it:
- Helps you maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese is linked to 13 different types of cancer.
- Regulates your hormones. Increased levels of some hormones can increase your cancer risk.
- Supports healthy digestion and may reduce the number of toxins in your body.
Here are ways that exercise reduces your risk for all types of cancer because it:
- Reduces anxiety and depression.
- Strengthens your heart and lungs.
- Increases lean muscle mass and bone density.
- Prevents diseases like osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and more.
- Increases your overall strength and energy levels.
- Allows you to perform the activities that you need to do as well as those you love to do.
- Improves your overall quality of life.
Whether you are a cancer patient, survivor or simply looking to become a healthier version of you, consider working with a Certified Personal Trainer and Cancer Exercise Specialist. Talk with your healthcare provider before you start exercising. Depending on your cancer treatment plan, you may need to avoid or change some exercises or activities. If you had surgery, ask your surgeon if it’s safe for you to start exercising.
To access the full article on exercise and cervical health, click here.
In partnership with the YMCA, Hally Health focuses on a variety of topics aimed at people of any age or fitness level who want to stay healthy and active. Try this Mini Tabata workout that’s sure to get your heart pumping. To view all our YMCA partnership fitness videos throughout the month, please visit hally.com or Facebook.com/HallyHealth.