As was reported in a recent edition of American Journal of Epidemiology, a new cancer fighting method has been theorized and studied by Japanese researchers. Colleagues at Japan’s National Cancer Center, located in Tokyo have made the claim that while exercise is an obvious advantage to maintaining good health, it can also help lower the risk of contracting different types of cancer. These include colon, liver, pancreatic and stomach cancers.

For a decade the team tracked the daily activities of roughly 80,000 men and women, ranging between forty-five and seventy-fours years of age. In order to gather sufficient research, the participants were asked to describe their day to day diet, level of physical activity and various lifestyle choices.

It was discovered that those who participated in consistent activity, be it from exercise, physical labor, housework or the amount of miles walked were less likely to develop cancer than those who did not. On average, an active man was thirteen percent less likely, and an active woman was sixteen percent less likely than their lethargic counterparts. Furthermore, participants who maintained an average level of weight throughout the study were also able to avoid the disease, which provides added support to the Center’s findings.

Regarding the outcome of their study, Dr. Manami Inoue, one of the researchers stated, "Our results suggest that increased daily total physical activity -- not only exercise -- may be beneficial in preventing the development of cancer among Japanese men and women.”

The explanation for such a basic cancer preventative is found through the various effects of daily exercise. Firstly, it has the obvious ability to control the fat levels within the body. Secondly, it stimulates the immune system to be able to thwart any cancer threats. Finally, physical activity modifies certain hormones in order to effect the growth and spread of any tumors.

Exercise will always be a recommended method to bettering health. Its positive effects are endless and well-known, as long as it is conducted in a safe manner. This study merely adds to the already significant importance. It is vital to take the time to dedicate to one’s health and the possibility of a long and cancer-free life.