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Physical activity and prostate cancer

Title
Physical activity and prostate cancer

Research Area
Health    

Author
Kazmi, N et al; International Journal of Epidemiology

Summary of Findings
Researchers at the University of Bristol carried out a large-scale study that explored the genetics of over 140,000 men, 80,000 of whom had prostate cancer. It found that those with a variation in their DNA sequence that made them more likely to be active had a 51% reduced risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who didn't have the variation. The study actually looked at 22 risk factors associated with the condition but the results in relation to physcial activity were the most revealing and the researchers concluded that interventions aimed at increasing physical activity may also reduce prostate cancer risk.

Implications
We know that physical activity can be a tool for both treatment and prevention of certain conditions. This study furthers our knowledge in relation to the benefits of an active lifestyle in reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer.