Study reveals new surprising connections 🏃‍♂️🩺

A comprehensive and extensive long-term study has revealed a noteworthy correlation: maintaining fitness in earlier years is linked to a notable reduction – in certain instances, up to 42% – in the likelihood of developing nine distinct types of cancer during later stages of life.

While previous research has established a connection between physical activity and a diminished risk of specific cancers, extensive and enduring studies examining a multitude of cancer sites have been notably scarce. Dr. Aron Onerup, the lead researcher from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, expressed astonishment at the comprehensive connections observed across various organ systems, particularly highlighting the consistent link between cardiorespiratory fitness and cancers within the gastrointestinal tract.

Interestingly, the findings revealed unexpected fluctuations in the risk for prostate and skin cancers. Subsequent investigations indicated that men exhibiting higher levels of fitness were more prone to being diagnosed with non-fatal prostate cancers.

Nonetheless, it’s important to note that this study doesn’t fully account for the impact of factors like diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking, which are known to play a significant role in cancer risk. Dr. Claire Knight, Senior Health Information Manager at Cancer Research UK, emphasized this aspect.

On the whole, the outcomes of this study are compelling and provide robust support for advocating interventions aimed at enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness. Dr. Mark Hamer, Professor of Sport and Exercise Medicine at University College London, highlights the reinforced motivation for promoting such interventions.