Being in good physical shape could reduce the risk of nine types of cancer, study finds

A New Study Shows the Link Between Physical Fitness and Reduced Cancer Risk

A new study adds to the large body of evidence that being in good physical shape can dramatically reduce cancer risk.

The Study and its Findings

The study, published Tuesday in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, found that men with high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness in young adulthood had a lower risk of developing nine forms of cancer years later, including in the head and the neck, the lungs, the kidneys, and the gastrointestinal system.

The study followed more than 1 million young men in Sweden over an average of 33 years, starting when they took a military fitness test that, until 2010, was legally required at around 18 years old. The researchers then analyzed the rates of cancer diagnoses among the men and compared them to the fitness levels registered on their military tests.

The authors of the new study sorted participants into low, moderate, and high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness based on their bike test results. They found that the people with high fitness levels had a 19% lower risk of head and neck cancer and a 20% lower risk of kidney cancer compared to the low-fitness group. The risk of lung cancer was 42% lower for the fittest participants, though that was explained mainly by people’s smoking habits.

The lead author of the study, Dr. Aron Onerup, a postdoctoral researcher in the pediatrics department at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, said the risk of cancer generally continued to decrease as participants’ fitness levels increased. He emphasized that an increase in fitness seems to be associated with a lower risk of developing most of these cancers.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

The findings of this study align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. By highlighting the link between physical fitness and reduced cancer risk, this study emphasizes the importance of promoting physical activity and fitness in the population to achieve this goal.

Gastrointestinal Cancers and Public Health Efforts

The study revealed surprising findings about gastrointestinal cancers. High-fitness participants had a nearly 40% lower risk for cancers in the esophagus, liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, stomach, and colon. This is particularly significant considering the surge in gastrointestinal cancer rates among young people in recent decades.

Efforts to facilitate physical activity and fitness in the population can potentially lead to significant risk reductions for these types of cancers. Dr. Onerup emphasized the importance of public health initiatives in promoting physical activity and fitness to achieve these outcomes.

Previous Research on Physical Activity and Cancer Risk

This study adds to a growing body of research linking physical activity to a lower risk of many common cancers. Previous studies have shown that physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of developing various types of cancer, including colorectal cancer.

A 2016 analysis found that higher physical activity levels were associated with a reduced risk of developing 13 out of 26 cancers studied. Additionally, physical activity has been linked to a 30% lower risk of death even after colorectal cancer diagnoses, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Limitations and Future Directions

While this study provides valuable insights into the link between physical fitness and reduced cancer risk, there are some limitations to consider. The study only included men and did not assess lifestyle factors or subsequent fitness levels after the initial tests. These factors could have influenced the observed cancer rates.

Future research should aim to include a more diverse population and consider other potential factors that may affect cancer risk. Nevertheless, this study highlights the importance of physical fitness at a young age in influencing health outcomes later in life.

In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of physical fitness in reducing the risk of various cancers. By promoting physical activity and fitness, we can work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
   • Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
   • Indicator 11.7.1: Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use for all, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily addresses SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It discusses the relationship between physical fitness and the risk of developing various forms of cancer.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific target under SDG 3 that can be identified is Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions two indicators that can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.4 of SDG 3:

– Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.

– Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate.

These indicators can help track the impact of physical fitness on reducing the risk of cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: nbcnews.com

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