Plenty of sleep and exercise: the way to beat cancer
November 20th 2008
A study from the US National Cancer Institute has found that regular exercise combined with a good night’s sleep can reduce the chances of developing cancer by 20 per cent.
The scientists found that women who exercised regularly developed “significantly” fewer cancers than those who were less active. Getting less than seven hours’ sleep could, however, potentially undo the benefits of a workout.The study analysed the lifestyles of almost 6,000 women over 10 years. Although doctors were unclear about why exercise helped to reduce the chances of developing cancer, they believed the effect could be linked to factors including body weight, hormone levels and the strength of a patient’s immune system.
Dr James McClain, who led the study, said his next step would be to try to understand the relationship between exercise, sleep and the risk of developing cancer.The Telegraph reminds us of previous studies showing that exercise protects against cancer.
(Telegraphp15, Express p21;Mailp28)
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