Q: Does exercise still help reduce cancer risk even if you don't lose weight?

A: Studies presented at the most recent research conference of the American Institute for Cancer Research identified physical activity as a potentially major step we can take to reduce cancer risk. Evidence is strongest regarding physical activity's ability to reduce colon, breast and endometrial cancer by 20 to 35 percent. Along with potential reductions in ovarian, prostate and lung cancer, the latest research suggests that meeting recommendations for daily physical activity could prevent more than 173,000 cases of these six cancers every year. For people who are overweight, weight loss – especially involving waistline fat – does seem to be one part of the way activity works. However, even outside of weight control, regular physical activity helps keep insulin and other hormones at a healthy level, and seems to decrease inflammation and improve immune function. The role of physical activity in reducing cancer risk is a huge area of research right now and we still have much to learn. Whether or not you are overweight, including physical activity in your daily life – whether as a "work out," playing sports, daily walks or transportation to work or errands – is now seen as an important part of a strategy to reduce cancer risk.