New research has found that maintaining physical fitness, particularly of the cardiorespiratory system, can significantly decrease the risk of nine different forms of cancer. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, analyzed data from over one million male military conscripts in Sweden. It found that higher levels of cardiovascular fitness were associated with a lower risk of developing cancers in the head and neck, stomach, pancreas, liver, colon, rectum, esophagus, kidney, and lung. In fact, the risk of some of these cancers was reduced by up to 40% in individuals with high fitness levels compared to those with low fitness levels.
The study used a "maximal aerobic workload" test to measure cardiorespiratory fitness, which is considered a reliable indicator of overall fitness. This test measures the body's ability to use oxygen during peak performance. The researchers categorized individuals into three levels of fitness: low, moderate, and high. They found that higher fitness levels were associated with lower levels of obesity, higher levels of parental education, lower levels of smoking and substance abuse, and higher cognitive ability.
Interestingly, two forms of cancer, skin cancer and prostate cancer, were found to have a slightly increased risk in individuals with higher cardiorespiratory fitness. The study does not provide a clear explanation for this finding, but one theory suggests that individuals who are more physically fit may spend more time in the sun, increasing their risk of skin cancer.
Despite this, the overall conclusion of the study is clear: improving fitness levels can reduce the risk of certain cancers. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults engage in 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity. Children and teens should aim for at least one hour of moderate or vigorous activity each day. Additionally, both adults and children should limit sedentary behaviors like watching TV and playing video games.
These findings highlight the importance of maintaining physical fitness for overall health and well-being. By incorporating regular exercise into our daily lives, we can reduce our risk of developing certain forms of cancer and improve our overall quality of life.