Aerobic Exercise Linked To Decreased Digestive Cancer Risk

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

NaNa Keum Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Nana Keum

NaNa Keum, ScD|
Harvard T. H. Chan
School of Public Health Department of Nutrition
Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology,
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Boston, MA 02115

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: While general health benefits of physical activity are well-known, evidence on its specific benefits on cancer endpoints is limited and physical activity guidelines for cancer prevention lack details in terms of the optimal dose, type and intensity of physical activity.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: We found that the optimal exercise regime to prevent overall digestive system cancers may be to accumulate 30 MET-hours/week of physical activity primarily through aerobic exercise and regardless of its intensity.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: The more physical activity (particularly, aerobic exercise of any intensity) you engage in, the greater the protection against digestive system cancers, up to the equivalent of energy expenditure you would achieve through 10 hours of walking at a normal pace per week.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: While each cancer is a heterogeneous disease, our findings suggest that physical activity may commonly influence carcinogenesis of overall digestive system cancers.  Studies are warranted to identify the biological mechanisms underlying the association between physical activity and overall digestive system cancers, which would further our understanding of etiology of digestive system cancers.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:  JAMA publication:

Keum N, Bao Y, Smith-Warner SA, et al. Association of Physical Activity by Type and Intensity With Digestive System Cancer Risk.JAMA Oncol. Published online May 19, 2016. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2016.0740.

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on May 26, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD

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