A study published in the journal Gut explains why exercising can increase a person's chances of surviving colon cancer. The gist is that physical activity decreases insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and increases insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP-3).
Why does anybody care about IGF-1 and IGFBP-3?
Our bodies are made up of billions of cells that grow, divide, and then die in a predictable manner. This process keeps us healthy. Cancer occurs when something goes wrong with this system, causing uncontrolled cell division and growth. The cells lump together and form a mass of extra tissue, also known as a tumor, which continues to grow. You can think of IGF-1 as tumor fertilizer and IGFBP-3 as a wave that washes that fertilizer away.How much of a difference can exercising make?
Researchers in this study analyzed the medical records of approximately 450 colon cancer patients and found that among those who were physically active, an increase in IGFBP-3 was associated with 48% fewer deaths from colon cancer. This study did not address the role of exercise in preventing colorectal cancer. For information on that topic, you may want to read Exercising to Prevent Colorectal Cancer.Related Research: Sources:
- Entrez Gene: IGF-1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. 12 May. 2006. 7 Jun. 2006 [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=gene&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=full_report&list_uids=3486].
- Entrez Gene: IGFBP-3. National Center for Biotechnology Information. 28 May. 2006. 7 Jun. 2006 [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=gene&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=full_report&list_uids=3479].
- Hayden, A.M.M., and R.J. MacInnis. "Physical Activity, Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1, Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3, and Survival from Colorectal Cancer." Gut 55 (2006): 689-694. 7 Jun. 2006.
- Kerr, Martha. Words to Live By: Insight Into The Anti-Cancer Effect of Exercise. Cancer Page. 29 May. 2006. 7 Jun. 2006 [http://www.cancerpage.com/news/article.asp?id=9745].
