Exercise helps to protect against cancer

For many of us, the multiple health benefits to regular exercise are obvious, however in light research it has been discovered that “A run a day” could actually reduce the risk of cancer. Through a study conducted by Pernille Hojman from Copenhagen University Hospital, scientists have found that the hormones released during physical activity play a vital part in the destruction of cancer cells.

This enlightening new information was found after a series of experiments in which two groups of subject mice where each injected with one of three types of cancer. The first group had access to a running wheel providing ample opportunity for exercise, whilst the second where limited to wandering their cages. Producing results that where conclusive to say the least, this experiment showed that not only where the tumours smaller but also less likely to develop in those with access to a running wheel.

The big question, however, is why? What does exercise trigger that hinders the production of cancer cells. From close inspection of tumour cells taken from the subject mice, it is seen that those who partook in regular exercise had double the immune cells than their inactive counterparts. Their cells also contained five times as many