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Take Action against Colon Cancer

Being physically active on a regular basis lowers the risk of colon cancer. But does adding fruits and vegetables or increasing fiber in the diet give any extra protection? A group of researchers at two cancer centers in the United States are studying this question.

The researchers looked at more than just diet. They also looked at factors such as calcium, cigarette smoking, body fat, and age. Activity patterns at home, work, and during leisure time were also measured. All of these factors were used to see what effect they had on colon cancer.

Physical activity and colon cancer are strongly linked. The risk of colon cancer for any adult (man or woman) can be cut by 40 percent just with high levels of physical activity. This must be done on a regular basis over a long period of time.

Men who are overweight have a higher risk of colon cancer. This is especially true if they are not physically active. For people who are more active, cigarette smoking increases the risk of colon cancer. Anyone who is active but has a family history of colon cancer is at greater risk when compared to active adults without a family history.

Scientists still don't know how or why physical activity lowers the risk of colon cancer. There are many ways suggested for how this happens. It seems that physical activity can affect the benefits from other risk factors. More studies will look at how physical activity acts together with diet and lifestyle factors.

References: Martha L. Slattery, and John D. Potter. Physical Activity and Colon Cancer: Confounding or Interaction? In Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. June 2002. Vol. 34. No. 6. Pp. 913-919.

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