The British Journal of Cancer has just published another article confirming physically active are less likely to develop colon cancer.

Reviewing studies published through June 2008, authors of the latest article found a total of 52-articles that reviewed physical activity from manual labor, jogging, working out at the gym to brisk walking.

The review found physically active men and women were 24% less likely to develop colon cancer, regardless of on job or leisure time activity, with decreased risk remaining even after taking into account other risk factors linked to cancer, such as, diet, obesity and smoking.

US estimates reveal 108,000 new cases of colon cancer and 40,000 rectal cancer each year, with nearly 50,000 people dying each year from colon / rectal cancer, most of which are adenocarcinomas, which begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids.

Apart from being physically active, you can also decrease your risk of colon cancer by:

1. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains for vitamins and minerals.
2. Eating a low-fat diet, especially saturated fat, which should be avoided, especially those from animal sources like red meat. Other foods that contain saturated fat include milk, cheese, ice cream, and coconut and palm oils.
3. Limiting alcohol consumption - no more than one drink a day for women and two for men. A drink is a 4- to 5-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce can of beer, or a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof liquor.
4. Quitting smoking.
5. Getting screened

A silent killer, colon cancer is difficult to detect, but spreads quickly.