Exercise Cuts Bowel Cancer Risk 11%

Engaging in physical activity during morning and evening hours might reduce the risk of bowel cancer by 11%, as indicated by a recent study.

Researchers propose that by emphasizing the most effective times for exercise, we can develop more focused cancer prevention strategies.

The study, conducted by specialists from Regensburg University, analyzed data from the UK Biobank involving 86,252 individuals aged 42 to 79.

These participants tracked their physical activity using a wrist-worn device called an accelerometer. During the 5.3 years of follow-up, there were 529 cases of bowel cancer.

The researchers identified four distinct activity patterns: continuous activity throughout the day, late-day activity, morning and evening activity, and activity at midday and night.

They discovered that engaging in physical activity at approximately 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. was linked to a decreased risk of colorectal cancer, surpassing the overall benefits of regular physical activity.

Bowel cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, can develop in any part of the large bowel, including the colon and rectum.

It ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer in the UK, with around 44,000 annual diagnoses—approximately 120 each day.

Professor Dr. Michael Leitzmann, who leads the department of epidemiology and preventive medicine at the University of Regensburg in Germany, spearheaded the study published in BMC Medicine.

He commented, “Our research demonstrates that not only is physical activity vital for lowering colorectal cancer risk, but the timing of peak activity throughout the day might be crucial.

By pinpointing specific times—early morning and late afternoon—when physical activity is most advantageous, our findings introduce new possibilities for targeted prevention strategies.

“If corroborated by future studies, this could offer a straightforward yet significant method for individuals to further decrease their cancer risk by considering when they exercise."

Dr. Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, which financed the study, stated, “Being physically active is one of our key cancer prevention recommendations, as it is known to decrease cancer risk.

“These fascinating new insights hold the potential to shape more precise guidelines, encompassing patterns and timing of physical activity, to help reduce cancer risk.”

Source: gloucestershirelive

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