Fitter Men, Lower Cancer Risk? Study Links Cardiorespiratory Fitness to Colon, Lung & Prostate Cancer Prevention

A large study by JAMA Network Open suggests good cardiovascular health, measured by cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), might be linked to a lower risk of colon, lung, and prostate cancers in men. The study followed over 177,000 men for nearly 10 years and found associations between higher CRF and reduced cancer risk, even after considering factors like lifestyle and body mass index. Interestingly, the protective effect of CRF on lung cancer seemed stronger in older men.

Key Points

Background: Studies suggest good cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) might influence cancer risk. This study explored the association between CRF and the incidence and mortality of colon, lung, and prostate cancer in Swedish men.

Method: Researchers analyzed data from a large cohort of 177,709 men who underwent occupational health assessments between 1982 and 2019. The CRF was estimated using submaximal cycle ergometer tests. Cancer diagnoses and deaths were tracked through national registers. Follow-up time averaged 9.6 years.

Results:

• Incidence: Higher CRF was linked to a significantly lower risk of colon cancer (8% reduction) and lung cancer (2% reduction). However, it was associated with a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer (1% increase).

• Mortality: Higher CRF was associated with a decreased risk of death from all three cancers: colon (2% reduction), lung (3% reduction), and prostate (5% reduction).

• Stratification: After dividing participants by CRF levels, the associations held strong for colon cancer and prostate cancer mortality. Only high CRF showed a significant protective effect against lung cancer death.

• Age: Age slightly modified the associations for lung and prostate cancer incidence, and lung cancer mortality, suggesting the protective effect of CRF might vary by age.

Limitations:

• The study is observational, so it cannot prove cause-and-effect.

• CRF was estimated, not directly measured.

• Other lifestyle factors were not fully controlled for.

Conclusions:

• This study suggests that good cardiorespiratory fitness may be associated with a lower risk of certain cancers and cancer death in men.

• More research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms.

• If the link is causal, interventions like exercise programs to improve CRF could be important for cancer prevention.

In the realm of men's health, the correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cancer incidence and mortality has emerged as a significant area of study. A recent large-scale investigation involving 177,709 men sheds light on the intricate relationship between CRF and the risk of developing and succumbing to various types of cancer. Let's delve into the key findings and implications uncovered by this comprehensive study.

The Main Findings: CRF and Lower Cancer Risks

The primary revelation from this extensive study is the association between higher CRF and a decreased risk of colon cancer incidence, lung cancer incidence, and death, as well as prostate cancer mortality. Even after adjusting for lifestyle habits, comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), and smoking, the protective effect of CRF against certain cancers remained evident.

Analyzing the Associations: Dissecting the Data

Diving deeper into the data, researchers noted that the positive association between CRF and cancer incidence and mortality varied across different age groups. Particularly, the association between CRF and lung cancer incidence and mortality was more pronounced in older participants (age ≥60 years), hinting at the potential impact of age on cancer risk mitigation through CRF.

Methods: The study analyzed data from over 177,000 men who underwent health assessments, including a fitness test. Researchers tracked cancer diagnoses and deaths in national registers for an average of 9.6 years. They looked at colon, lung, and prostate cancer, and considered whether the effects of CRF varied by age.

Results:

• Lower risk of some cancers with higher CRF: Men with higher CRF had a lower risk of colon cancer (8% reduction) and lung cancer (2% reduction) compared to those with lower CRF. However, there was a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer (1% increase) with higher CRF.

• Reduced mortality risk with higher CRF: Higher CRF was associated with a lower risk of death from all three cancers: colon (2% reduction), lung (3% reduction), and prostate (5% reduction).

• Findings held for colon and prostate: When dividing participants by CRF levels, the associations remained strong for colon cancer incidence and prostate cancer mortality.

• Age might influence effects: Age slightly modified the associations for lung and prostate cancer incidence, and lung cancer mortality, suggesting the protective effect of CRF might vary by age.

Novelty of the Study: Uncovering New Insights

What sets this study apart is its meticulous analysis of the association between CRF and both cancer incidence and mortality in the three most prevalent cancers in men, separately across a diverse sample of varying ages. This nuanced approach offers fresh insights into the nuanced interplay between CRF levels and cancer outcomes.

Addressing Inconsistencies: Navigating Conflicting Findings

While some previous studies reported conflicting findings regarding the association between CRF and prostate cancer incidence, the current study aligns with prior research indicating a positive association between higher CRF and reduced cancer risk. Moreover, considerations such as potential higher prostate cancer screening rates among individuals with higher CRF levels add complexity to the interpretation of findings.

Clinical Implications: Harnessing CRF for Cancer Prevention

The implications of these findings extend beyond academia to the realm of clinical practice. Understanding the distinction between physical activity (PA) and CRF is crucial, with higher-intensity PA likely exerting more pronounced protective effects against certain cancers. These insights underscore the importance of incorporating CRF assessments into cancer risk management strategies.

Strengths and Limitations: Navigating the Nuances

While this study represents one of the largest cohort studies on CRF and cancer outcomes in men, it is not without limitations. Factors such as voluntary participation, reliance on submaximal tests for estimating V̇o2max, and the significant genetic component of both CRF and cancer risk warrant careful consideration when interpreting the results.

Conclusion: Implications for Future Research and Practice

In conclusion, this groundbreaking study underscores the pivotal role of CRF in mitigating cancer risk and mortality among men. By elucidating the complex associations between CRF levels and cancer outcomes, it paves the way for future research endeavors aimed at unraveling the underlying mechanisms and optimizing cancer prevention strategies.

References

Ekblom‐Bak, E., Bojsen-Møller, E., Wallin, P., Paulsson, S., Lindwall, M., Rundqvist, H., & Bolam, K. A. (2023, June 29). Association Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cancer Incidence and Cancer-Specific Mortality of Colon, Lung, and Prostate Cancer Among Swedish Men. JAMA Network Open. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.21102

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https://healthnewstrend.com/resistance-training-for-body-fat-loss-a-meta-analysis

https://healthnewstrend.com/understanding-the-metabolic-symphony-how-exercise-impacts-your-body

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