Good cardiorespiratory fitness linked to 40% lower risk of some cancers.
Good cardiorespiratory fitness linked to 40% lower risk of some cancers.
Regular Exercise Can Significantly Reduce the Risk of Cancer
“Researchers are reporting that good cardiovascular fitness can help reduce the risk of nine types of cancer, including lung, liver, and rectal cancer.”
“They say the risk reduction is between 5% and 42% for these various cancers.”
“Experts say regular exercise has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce cancer risk.”
Regular exercise is not only good for your physical health but can also have significant benefits in reducing the risk of cancer. Recent research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine indicates that having good cardiovascular fitness can reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer later in life by up to 40%, at least in men.
This long-term study examined the link between cardiovascular fitness and various types of cancer including head and neck, stomach, lungs, liver, pancreas, kidney, and bowel cancer. The researchers defined cardiovascular fitness as a person’s ability to engage in sustained aerobic exercise such as running, cycling, swimming, or even climbing stairs.
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While previous research has hinted at the anti-cancer effects of exercise, few large-scale and long-term studies have been conducted across multiple types of cancer. This study offers valuable insights into the correlation between fitness and cancer risk.
Insights from the Cancer and Exercise Study
The researchers conducted their study using linked Swedish registry data of over one million individuals who started their military service between 1968 and 2005. Medical diagnoses, background information, and deaths were recorded. The subjects were assessed for factors such as height, weight, blood pressure, muscular strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness.
The study found that individuals with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness had a significantly lower risk of developing specific types of cancer:
- 5% lower risk of rectal cancer
- 12% lower risk of pancreatic cancer
- 18% lower risk of bowel cancer
- 19% lower risk of head and neck cancer
- 20% lower risk of kidney cancer
- 21% lower risk of stomach cancer
- 39% lower risk of food pipe cancer
- 40% lower risk of liver cancer
- 42% lower risk of lung cancer
However, the study also found a 7% increased risk of prostate cancer and a 31% increased risk of skin cancer among those with higher cardiorespiratory fitness. The authors suggest that factors such as prostate cancer screening and sunlight exposure could explain these findings. It’s worth noting that this study is observational, and no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect.
How Exercise Helps Lower Cancer Risk
While this study highlights the correlation between exercise and a reduced risk of cancer, it’s essential to understand the underlying mechanisms. Exercise, particularly cardiovascular exercise, triggers an anti-inflammatory response in the body. This anti-inflammatory response stimulates the immune system, reducing the chances of developing both cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Dr. Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist and chief of medicine at the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program at Saint John’s Cancer Institute, explains that various factors contribute to cancer reduction, including diet, lifestyle, alcohol use, smoking, and family history. It’s worth noting that regular consumption of processed food and red meat is often associated with colorectal malignancies, while smoking is more often associated with lung cancer.
Dr. Melinda Irwin, co-leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program at the Yale Cancer Center, emphasizes that the benefits of exercise are not solely tied to body weight. Cardiorespiratory fitness has direct benefits for cancer prevention, such as improved metabolic, inflammatory, and immune function. Moderate and vigorous intensity exercise, like brisk walking or jogging, can significantly increase cardiorespiratory fitness.
Dr. Briana Costello, an interventional and general cardiologist, suggests that previous exercise habits may also impact cancer risks. Those with underlying lung conditions and decreased lung capacity may have worked out less, potentially increasing their risk of lung cancer.
The Importance of Regular Exercise
The study underscores the importance of regular exercise in reducing the risk of cancer. All individuals should strive to incorporate exercise into their daily routine gradually. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, five days a week. However, exercising in any form, whether through a neighborhood jog, bodyweight exercises, or using simple equipment, can provide significant health benefits.
Remember, exercise is just one component of a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, abstaining from smoking, and regular cancer screenings are also crucial in reducing cancer risk. While further research is needed to explore the causal relationship between exercise and cancer, this study reinforces the notion that physical fitness plays a vital role in overall health.
