Regular physical workout is cited as a panacea for many health problems. A recent study gave scientific evidence to prove the effect of physical workout on reduced risk of cancer and chances from dying from it.

The researchers from the universities of Kuopio and Oulu in Finland found that half an hour spent in activities like jogging, swimming, rowing and games - like squash or football - can lower the risk of developing cancer and dying from it.

The research team analyzed data collected from 2,560 men, aged from 42 to 61, from eastern Finland; the men had with no history of cancer. The leisure time physical activity of the study subjects was assessed over a period of 12 months.   

The study subjects filled questionnaires and also underwent physical tests to measure the intensity of exercise. They were followed for 16 years, during which a total of 181 men died from cancer.

Data analysis revealed that study subjects who exercised for at least 30 minutes or did an average of 5.2 metabolic units (MET or metabolic equivalents of oxygen consumption) activity daily, were half as likely to get cancer as compared to those who exercised less.

The researchers said: "The intensity of leisure-time physical activity had a strong and independent association with cancer mortality. It should be at least moderate so the beneficial effect of physical activity for reducing overall cancer mortality can be achieved."