Being Fit in Youth Linked to Reduced Risk of Multiple Cancers Later in Life, Study Shows
A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that individuals who are physically fit earlier in life have a reduced risk of developing multiple types of cancer in later years. The study, which drew data from more than 1 million male Swedish conscripts, followed their health for an average of 33 years.
The results of the study indicate that good cardiorespiratory fitness, demonstrated by the ability to engage in sustained aerobic exercises such as running, cycling, and swimming, is associated with a 42% reduced risk of lung cancer, a 40% reduced risk of liver cancer, and a 39% reduced risk of esophageal cancer. Additionally, higher fitness levels were associated with a lower risk of head and neck, stomach, pancreatic, bowel, and kidney cancers.
However, the study also found that higher fitness levels appeared to be associated with a 7% heightened risk of prostate cancer and a 31% heightened risk of skin cancer. The researchers suggested that these findings may be attributed to more frequent prostate cancer screening and increased sunlight exposure in individuals with higher fitness levels.
Despite the associations found in the study, experts caution that it does not fully account for the effects of diet, alcohol, and smoking on cancer risk. Dr. Claire Knight of Cancer Research UK notes that these lifestyle factors are more likely to affect an individual’s risk of developing cancer.
Nevertheless, the study’s results are considered compelling and provide further support for interventions aimed at promoting cardiorespiratory fitness in youth. Dr. Mark Hamer, professor of sport and exercise medicine at University College London, emphasizes the long follow-up period of the study, which excludes the possibility of existing disease driving poor fitness and early death.
Dr. Aron Onerup, the lead researcher of the study, expressed surprise at the broad associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and various types of cancer. He also noted that the study suggests aerobic activities like running, biking, sports, and swimming may be more strongly associated with cancer risk reduction compared to resistance training.
While reducing cancer risk is a significant benefit of exercise, there are also emotional and cardiovascular health advantages. Onerup states that “some physical activity is better than none” and emphasizes that it is never too late to start physical fitness routines to reap health protective benefits.
Dr. Knight recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, but also adds that any activity that gets individuals warm, slightly out of breath, and their hearts beating faster counts as physical activity. This includes brisk walks, cycling with a friend, or even completing household chores.
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of maintaining physical fitness throughout life to reduce the risk of cancer development. Regular exercise has numerous benefits beyond cancer prevention and should be encouraged for optimal health outcomes.