The benefits of exercise are hard to ignore.

We know that working out is good for heart health, maintaining weight and de-stressing. But exercise also plays an important role in preventing cancer, according to a study from the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute.

 Dr. Timothy Collins
Dr. Timothy Collins

“I don’t think the general population understands the significance that exercise can play with reducing cancer risk,” said Dr. Timothy Collins, an oncologist at Novant Health Oncology Specialists in Winston-Salem. “People don’t typically associate reduced cancer risk with exercise.”

The study finds exercise can lower a person’s risk of 13 types of cancer – some with more than a 20% lower risk – including colon, breast, endometrial, esophageal, liver, lung, stomach, kidney, head and neck, rectal and bladder cancers.

Physical activity is also associated with a lower risk of myeloma and myeloid leukemia, both blood cancers. Researchers said most findings applied to people regardless of weight or smoking history (except for lung cancer).

Your healthiest life starts with a check-up.

Make an appointment

A sedentary lifestyle is common, with researchers saying half of Americans do not meet recommended physical activity levels.

The recommendations are approachable. The American Cancer Society defines exercise as:

  • At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week
  • Or about 75 minutes of vigorous activity
  • Walking at about 3 mph is considered moderate intensity, so you can meet recommended activity levels by walking at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week
timothy collins
Timothy Collins talks with a patient at Novant Health Cancer Institute - Forsyth.

Not only does working out help prevent cancer, Collins said, it also leads to improved outcomes for patients who are already diagnosed with cancer.

“I’m recommending exercise for my cancer survivors. I explain to them that there are several studies which show improved cancer outcomes with regular exercise,” Collins said.

Collins encourages patients to choose an activity that they enjoy – walking, biking and swimming are among the most popular.

“I always start with meeting the patient where they are, what their interests are, and then I encourage them to start off slowly," he said. "Even if they can walk to 10 minutes a day at first. That can be a way to get started.”