PEOPLE WHO REGULARLY exercise are less likely to develop polyps which can cause bowel cancer, according to new research.

Almost 2,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Ireland each year and nearly 1,000 people die of the disease, according to the Irish Cancer Society.

The report, conducted by scientists from the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis in the US, compiled 20 other studies that examined the link between exercise and bowel cancer and was published in the British Journal of Cancer. It found that people who take regular exercise were 16 per cent less likely to develop bowel polyps, or adenomas, and 30 per cent less likely to develop large or advanced polyps, reports the BBC.

Lead author Professor Kathleen Wolin said: “We’ve long known that an active lifestyle can protect against bowel cancer but this study is the first to look at all the available evidence and show that a reduction in bowel polyps is the most likely explanation for this.

“Exercise has many benefits, including boosting the immune system, decreasing inflammation in the bowel and helping to reduce insulin levels – all factors which we know are likely to have an effect on bowel polyp risk.”

At least half an hour’s moderate exercise a day – such as brisk walking or anything that leaves you slightly out of breath – is recommended by experts, the Press Association reports.

The Irish Cancer Society launched their bowel cancer awareness campaign this week, getting Podge and Rodge on board as an unlikely pair of campaigners…