Physical Activity and Reduction of Colon Cancer Risk

Physical Activity vs. Exercise Physical Activity Any form of movement using skeletal muscles. Movement required for daily life. – Occupational physical activity Activities done for enjoyment. Exercise Physical training – Recreational physical activity Aerobic or anaerobic Higher intensities

Benefits of Physical Activity Physical activity can help maintain and/or reduce weight It helps to maintain and/or reduce body mass index (BMI) – Underweight < 18.5 – Normal = – Overweight = – Obesity > 30

Benefits Continued Helps us burn excess calories instead of turning into fat Increases lean muscle Helps retain and strengthen bone Strengthens the immune system Enhances mental and emotional well being

Definitions Risk- The likelihood of developing cancer based on lifestyle choices and family history Prevention- Lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of cancer Recurrence- The return of cancer after treatment

Definitions Colon cancer- cancer in the ascending, transverse, descending, or sigmoid colon Rectal cancer- cancer in the rectum Colorectal cancer- refers to both colon and rectal cancers

Color on MapInterval Light green34.3 to 42.0 Medium green42.1 to 45.8 Medium blue45.9 to 48.9 Dark blue49.0 to 56.9 Light GreyDid not meet USCS data quality criteria *Rates are per 100,000 and are age- adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population. † Source: U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2007 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; Available at: States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2007 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Colorectal Cancer Incidence Rates,* by State, 2007

American Institute for Cancer Research Summary Strong evidence that physical activity reduces colon cancer risk Less strong for rectal cancer

Physical Activity and Risk of Colon and Rectal Cancers: Europe Objective – To examine the effects of physical activity on colon and rectal cancer incidence in a large European study

Study Design 413,044 participants from 10 European countries – 35 to 70 year old men and women Completed a questionnaire – diet, lifestyle, medical history and physical activity Repeated questionnaire after – diagnosis of colon cancer, death, or 10 years

Results As physical activity increased the risk for colon cancer decreased – regardless of type of activity Normal weight individuals had the greatest decrease in colon cancer risk with physical activity Increased physical activity reduced risk for all body sizes

Leisure-Time Physical Activity, Body Size, and Colon Cancer in Women Objective – To examine effects of physical activity (recreational) on the risk of colon cancer BMI, and body fat distribution

Study Design Women in the Nurse’s health study Every 2 years completed questionnaire – Personal and medical information – Time spent per week doing physical activities Colon cancer confirmed by hospital records

Results BMI ≥ 29 (obesity) associated with a 50% increase in risk of colon cancer Increased recreational physical activity linked to decrease in colon cancer Walking 1 hour per day = 46% reduction in the risk of colon cancer

Take Home Keep a healthy body weight to reduce risk of colon cancer. Physical activity doesn’t have to be intense to have an effect – Just one hour of walking a day can reduce your risk for colon cancer – Any form of physical activity will help to reduce you risk

The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association recommend 30 minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise 5 days a week and strength- training exercises twice a week

Summary Physical activity has many benefits – Maintains healthy weight Physical activity reduces cancer risk – moderate is good but vigorous is better – Daily and consistent