Association of Physical Activity by Type and Intensity With Digestive System Cancer Risk

Abstract

Importance Accumulating evidence indicates that common carcinogenic pathways may underlie digestive system cancers. Physical activity may influence these pathways, yet no previous study has evaluated the role of physical activity in overall digestive system cancer risk. Objective To examine the association between physical activity and digestive system cancer risk, accounting for amount, type (aerobic versus resistance), and intensity of physical activity. Design A prospective cohort study followed from 1986 to 2012. Setting Male health professionals living in the general community in the US Participants Eligible participants were 40 years or older, were free of cancer, and reported physical activity. Out of 51,529 individuals, 43,479 were followed-up, with follow-up rates exceeding 90% in each 2-year cycle. Exposures The amount of total physical activity expressed in metabolic equivalent of task [MET]-hours/week Main Outcomes and Measures Incident cancer of the digestive system encompassing the digestive tract (mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colorectum) and digestive accessory organs (pancreas, gallbladder, and liver). Results Over 686,924 person-years, we documented 1,370 incident digestive system cancers. Higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower digestive system cancer risk (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74 for 63+ versus ≤8.9 MET-hours/week; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59-0.93; P for trend, .003). The inverse association was more evident with digestive tract cancers (HR, 0.66 for 63+ versus ≤8.9 MET-hours/week; 95% CI, 0.51-0.87) than with digestive accessary organ cancers. Aerobic exercise was particularly beneficial against digestive system cancers, with the optimal benefit observed at approximately 30 MET-hours/week (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.56-0.83; Pnon-linearity, 0.02). Moreover, as long as the same level of MET-hour score was achieved from aerobic exercise, the magnitude of risk reduction was similar regardless of intensity of aerobic exercise. Conclusion and Relevance Physical activity, as indicated by MET-hours/week, was inversely associated with the risk of digestive system cancers, particularly digestive tract cancers, in men. The optimal benefit was observed through aerobic exercise of any intensity at the equivalent of energy expenditure of approximately 10 hours/week of walking at average pace. Future studies are warranted to confirm our findings and to translate them into clinical and public health recommendation.

Strong associations of a healthy lifestyle with all stages of colorectal carcinogenesis: Results from a large cohort of participants of screening colonoscopy

“…For example, dietary components such as red and processed meat increase CRC risk whilst others such as whole grains and vegetables are associated with a reduced CRC risk . Other factors, which are associated with a Western lifestyle, such as smoking, high alcohol consumption, low physical activity overweight and obesity have likewise been shown to be associated with increased CRC risk.…”

Pattern and Factors Associated with Medicine Usage in Middle-aged Adults: a Population Based Cross-Sectional Study

“…In modern world, PA is already seen as an important component of a healthy life 6 , with recent studies having demonstrated the effect of PA level in predicting mortality of patients suffering from chronic conditions 7,8 , the association of lower PA with mortality rates in elderly 9 or even finding out that the metabolic equivalent of task (MET -Metabolic Energy Requirement in hours/ week) was inversely associated with the risk of digestive tract cancers in men. 10 Considering the above mentioned facts, our question raises upon the adherence phenomenon and possible correlation between active individuals and their educational status on the prevalence of medicines use in a population of a young, lowincome, post conflict and developing country such as Kosova.…”

Association of type and intensity of physical activity with plasma biomarkers of inflammation and insulin response

“…By type of physical activity, aerobic activities were calculated by including walking, stair climbing, jogging, running, bicycling, swimming, tennis, squash/racquetball, calisthenics/rowing and heavy outdoor work . Resistance training included weight lifting/weight machine . Details of the physical activity questionnaire can be found in the Supporting Information.…”

“…Total physical activity was categorized into five groups (i.e., 0–8.9, 9–20.9, 21–41.9, 42–62.9 and 63+ MET‐hr/week). The cut‐offs were based on multiples of 3 MET‐hours per week, which corresponds to 1 hr per week of normal walking or approximately 25 min per week of jogging for easier interpretation . All multivariable models adjusted for the potential confounders including age at blood draw (continuous, years), race (White or non‐White), case–control status, smoking status (never, former or current), regular aspirin/NSAID use (yes or no), chronic diseases/conditions (0, 1, 2 or 3+) and dietary pattern (quintiles).…”