Study confirms that staying fit reduces cancer risk in men.
Study confirms that staying fit reduces cancer risk in men.
The Importance of Cardio Fitness in Reducing Cancer Risk in Men
A recent study conducted in Sweden has found that a man’s cardiovascular fitness may have a significant impact on his susceptibility to and survival rates from three of the most common cancers in men. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the relationship between cardio fitness and the risk of developing colon, lung, and prostate cancers. Lead researcher Elin Ekblom-Bak, from the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, emphasizes that maintaining good cardiorespiratory fitness is not only crucial for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases but also plays a significant role in reducing cancer risk and mortality in men.
The study analyzed data from nearly 178,000 Swedish men who underwent an occupational health assessment over a 37-year period. As part of this assessment, the participants tested their cardio fitness on an exercise bike while doctors measured their blood oxygen levels. The study’s findings revealed a clear dose-response association between cardio fitness and a lower risk of developing or dying from certain cancers.
One of the most intriguing findings of the study was that higher levels of cardio fitness were associated with a 28% to 37% lower risk of developing colon cancer compared to men with very low fitness levels. Similarly, moderate to high levels of cardio fitness were linked to a 43% to 71% lower risk of dying from prostate cancer compared to men with very low levels of fitness. The risk of death from lung cancer also decreased by 59% in men with high cardio fitness, even after accounting for smoking habits.
The uniqueness of this study lies in the extensive number of men who received a “gold-standard test” for cardio fitness, as well as doctor-measured reports of their height and weight. Dr. Jennifer Ligibel, director of the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living, acknowledges the significance of the study’s design and its robust findings. Previous research has also shown that better fitness can improve the cancer risk of both men and women.
There are several physiological explanations for the relationship between cardio fitness and reduced cancer risk. Better cardio fitness is often associated with lower inflammation, improved blood sugar levels, leanness, and lower cholesterol levels. These benefits contribute to cellular well-being and diminish the likelihood of cancer occurrence.
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Given the strong evidence presented in this study, it is essential for men to understand the multitude of health benefits associated with exercise. According to Ekblom-Bak, any amount of physical activity is better than none, and increasing or maintaining cardio fitness requires moderate to high-intensity exercise. Activities like brisk walking, biking, jogging, or swimming are all effective ways to raise heart rates, improve cardiovascular output, and enhance overall fitness.
It is worth noting that the benefits of cardio fitness on cancer risk reduction are likely to apply to women as well. Ligibel points out that women who engage in exercise also experience a lower risk of developing various types of cancer.
In conclusion, this study highlights the remarkable impact of cardio fitness on cancer risk and survival rates in men. By maintaining good cardiovascular health, men can significantly reduce their chances of developing colon and lung cancers and improve their chances of surviving prostate, colon, and lung cancers. Physical activity guidelines promote the message that every move counts, emphasizing the importance of exercise in cancer prevention. So whether it’s jogging, swimming, or cycling, engaging in regular moderate to high-intensity exercise is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer.
For more information on measuring physical activity intensity, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Sources:
- Elin Ekblom-Bak, PhD, senior lecturer, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
- Jennifer Ligibel, MD, director, Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston
- Nicholas Rohs, MD, thoracic oncologist, Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center
- JAMA Network Open, June 29, 2023
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