News FROM THE WORLD OF MEDICINE

RUN OFF CANCER RISK

- Mark Witten

Exercise has been known to reduce the risk of developing many forms of cancer. Now, a British study has identified one reason why. Physical activity, it turns out, causes a cancer-fighting protein called interleukin-6 IL-6) to be released into the bloodstream, where it can repair cells and slow tumor growth. Study participants at higher risk of colon cancer had larger amounts of IL-6 in their blood after cycling for 30 minutes than they did while resting. The conclusion: Regular exercise—such as walking, cycling or playing sports—can lower colon-cancer risk by about 20%, a finding researchers believe applies to other cancers as well.

HOW TO FILL UP YOUR DOWNTIME

Why We Need More Female Cardiologists