© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All
rights reserved worldwide. - Physical activity reduces the risk
of cancer in several ways, including lowering obesity,
inflammation, and hormone levels and improving insulin
resistance and immune system function. - Research studies show
that physical activity lowers the risk of several types of
cancers, including breast cancer and colon cancer. - Talk with
your doctor about an exercise and eating plan that is
appropriate for you. Physical activity influences cancer risk
and development, and being active can lower a person's risk of
cancer. Learn about the following links between physical
activity and cancer. Obesity. Being obese (extremely overweight,
defined as having a body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher, which
is a ratio of height and weight) increases a person's risk of
developing and dying from certain types of cancer, including
postmenopausal breast cancer, colon cancer, uterine cancer,
kidney cancer, and some types of esophageal cancer. Ot