Compared to other exercise patterns studied, peak physical activity in both the morning and evening, around 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., was associated with an 11% lower risk Colon cancer “beyond the benefits of general physical activity,” says a study published in the journal in September BMC Medicine.
Researchers from institutions in Germany, France, Canada and Spain used information from a health research database called British Biobank to assess the physical activity habits of more than 86,000 people aged 42 to 79, more than half (56%) of whom were women. They wore accelerometers, devices that track their physical activity, on their dominant wrists for a week. The researchers noted the following activity patterns among study participants:
- Continuous daily activity
- Activity later in the day (6:00 p.m.)
- Early and late day activity (8am and 6pm)
- Activity in the middle of the day and at night
During the median five-year follow-up period, more than 500 participants (0.6%) developed colorectal cancer. After accounting for other cancer risk factors such as smoking, shift work and a family history of colorectal cancer, the research team found that people whose physical activity peaked both early and late in the day had an 11% lower risk of colorectal cancer.
People who were continuously physically active during the day had a 6% lower risk. People who were active in the middle of the day and at night had no reduced risk, and the data for those who were mostly active later in the day was inconclusive.
“Our study shows that physical activity is not only important for reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, but also that the time of peak activity during the day could play a crucial role,” said the lead study researcher Dr. Michael LeitzmannChairman of the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the University of Regensburg in Germany, said in a WCRF Press release. “By identifying specific times – early morning and late in the day – when physical activity is most beneficial, our findings open up new opportunities for targeted prevention strategies.
“If confirmed by future research, this could be a simple but powerful way for individuals to further reduce their risk of cancer through the timing of their exercise.”
People with sedentary jobs saw the greatest benefit from all-day physical activity
While physical activity in the morning and evening was most beneficial for study participants overall, continuous activity throughout the day was most effective in reducing colorectal cancer risk among participants who reported more sedentary behavior.
According to the researchers, a possible explanation for this finding is that the more active test subjects already have a lower risk of developing cancer. Therefore, people who spend most of the day sitting saw greater health benefits become more active.
“Being physically active is part of our job Recommendations for cancer preventionand we know that this reduces the risk of cancer,” Helen Croker, PhDWCRF’s deputy director of research and policy said in the release. “These intriguing new findings offer potential for developing more specific recommendations, including patterns and timing of physical activity, to reduce cancer risk.”
“This shows how important it is that the World Cancer Research Fund continues to support research that advances our knowledge to provide future information on cancer prevention.”
Despite the large sample size of the study its racial and ethnic diversity is limited; 95% of UK biobank subjects are white. Furthermore, this study did not take into account the type or intensity of the activity. Additionally, because participants only wore accelerometers for a week, this snapshot may not be indicative of their long-term behavior.
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What is considered physical activity?
The study results aren’t meant to mean you need to hit the gym hard twice a day to reduce your risk of cancer. Simply incorporating more exercise throughout the day—especially if you have a job that requires you to sit at a desk or behind a wheel—can help get you on track. For example, replacing the elevator with the stairs is a start.
Any movement that strains your skeletal muscles and requires more energy than resting is considered physical activity National Cancer Institute. (Yes, doing chores counts.) To reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americanssupported by the Ministry of Health, recommends that adults do as much exercise per week as:
- 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity
- 2 days of muscle strengthening activities
- Older adults should also incorporate balance training
Whether you plan on taking short walks here and there or taking up kickboxing, discuss any mobility issues with your doctor before changing your exercise routine.
How high is my risk of developing colon cancer?
Um one in 23 men and one in 25 women will develop colon cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The organization lists these among the Risk factors for the disease:
- 50+ years old
- Alcohol consumption
- Ethnicity: American Indian, Alaska Native, African American, or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
- Intestinal polyps
- Diet high in red and processed meat
- Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Overweight or obesity
- Smoke
- Type 2 diabetes
The ACS estimates that more than 53,000 people will die from colorectal cancer in the United States this year. It is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in men. Fourth among womenand secondly for both genders together. The ACS recommends people at average risk for colorectal cancer Start with regular showings at the age of 45.
Further information on the subject of colon cancer:
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