A new study has found that regular exercise may be able to better prevent ovarian cancer, while lack of exercise is associated with a higher risk of ovarian cancer and death by ovarian cancer.
Senior author Kirsten Moysich said, “Women may be overwhelmed with mixed messages about physical activity or exercise recommendations and opt to be inactive because they feel that they cannot meet the recommended amount of physical activity. Our findings suggest that any amount of regular, weekly recreational physical activity may reduce the risk for and improve survival from ovarian cancer, while a lack of regular exercise throughout adulthood is associated with an increased risk of developing and dying from ovarian cancer.”
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In the first study, researchers analyzed data from over 8,300 women with ovarian cancer and over 12,600 women without the condition. Those who did not partake in regular activity throughout their lives had a 34 percent higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, compared to those who did.
The link between inactivity and ovarian cancer risk was seen among normal weight and obese women.
The second study looked at over 6,800 women with ovarian cancer and found those who were inactive in the years leading up to their diagnosis were 22 to 34 percent more likely to die of ovarian cancer, compared to those women who were active.
First author of both studies Rikki Cannioto said, “While the current evidence regarding the association between different amounts of physical activity and ovarian cancer remains mixed, our findings demonstrate that chronic inactivity may be an important independent risk and prognostic factor for ovarian cancer.”
Less than 45 percent of ovarian cancer patients survive five years. Although the studies did not demonstrate cause and effect, it does reveal that regular exercise can help benefit women and their health.
Also, read Bel Marra Health’s article: Common diseases in women, 2016 health update, endometriosis, PCOS, osteoporosis, and multiple sclerosis.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
