Researchers in a recent study found that certain times of physical activity can influence the risk of colorectal cancer. This study involving nearly 86,000 participants identified two peak times when exercise was associated with reduced cancer risk, namely the afternoon and evening.
According to research funded by the World Cancer Research Fund, doing physical activity at this time can reduce the risk of colon cancer by up to 11 percent.
“Being physically active is one of our Cancer Prevention Recommendations, and we know that it can reduce the risk of cancer. “These exciting new findings offer the potential to develop more specific recommendations, including patterns and timing of physical activity, to reduce cancer risk,” said Helen Croker, Assistant Director of Research and Policy at the World Cancer Research Fund as quoted by Medical Daily, Sunday (10 /11/2024).
The researchers recorded four patterns of activity time among the participants: activity throughout the day, afternoon, morning and evening, and afternoon and evening.
Those who were active in the morning and evening had a reduced risk of colorectal cancer by 11 percent, while activity throughout the day reduced the risk by up to six percent. For activities during the day and night, it did not show a significant change in risk.
In individuals who sit more, activity patterns throughout the day are more effective in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. The effects are especially pronounced in those who were previously inactive, as the benefits of physical activity become more pronounced.
“By identifying specific times – early morning and late afternoon – when physical activity is most beneficial, our findings open new avenues for targeted prevention strategies. If confirmed by future research, this could provide a simple yet impactful way for individuals to further reduce their cancer risk through their exercise time,” said Michael Leitzmann, the study’s principal investigator. (nis/bill/iss)
When to Hit the Gym: Timing Your Workouts to Tackle Colorectal Cancer
Well, well, well! Look who’s finally decided to take their health seriously! Researchers have come to a groundbreaking conclusion – timing matters! Apparently, if you exercise at the right time of the day, you might just lower your chances of colorectal cancer. Now, who would have thought that the secret to health might be hiding in our daily planner? According to a recent study involving almost 86,000 lucky participants, your afternoon and evening sweat sessions could reduce that nasty cancer risk by up to 11%! So, if you’re a morning person who prefers to run marathons before breakfast, I hate to break it to you, but your colon might not be cheering you on.
Sponsored by the World Cancer Research Fund, this splashy study broadens our view of physical activity. It’s like being told that just because a chocolate cake is delicious doesn’t mean you should eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (I know, shocking). Helen Croker, the Assistant Director of Research and Policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, exclaimed that these revelations could pave the way for more specific recommendations. Think of it like a masterclass in cancer prevention—your very own workout schedule that fights cancer while you’re trying to fight the urge to binge on Netflix.
Now, before you dust off your gym shoes, let’s break down the research a bit more. The researchers identified four main activity patterns:
- All day, every day – the marathon runners.
- Morning, evening – because some of us need to fit in work!
- Afternoon and evening – for those who really want to squeeze in a workout after our afternoon caffeine fix.
- Just sitting around – for those who think “Netflix and chill” counts as scheduled downtime.
Out of those who graced the gym in the morning and evening, 11% less chance of colorectal cancer came their way. Meanwhile, the all-day activity warriors only knocked a mere 6% off their risk. And let’s not even start on those night owls who exercise during the wee hours; it seems they might as well be sitting in a dark room contemplating the universe—no significant benefit there!
And here’s a little nugget for those couch potatoes out there: if you sit more than a log at a picnic, those afternoon-to-evening fitness patterns could be your saving grace. Especially for those of you who used to avoid exercise like it was the plague, this finding could be your golden ticket. Michael Leitzmann, the principal investigator of this study, hinted that the results could usher in exciting new strategies for preventing cancer. Essentially, if your exercise is backed by scientific timing, it’s the fitness version of ‘a stitch in time saves nine.’ Right, are you still with me?
So, what’s the takeaway from this shiny new information? If you want to ward off colorectal cancer, consider scheduling your workouts in the afternoons or evenings. Unless, of course, you enjoy the thrill of living dangerously…in which case, by all means, keep pumping iron at sunrise. Perfectly acceptable if you want to be one of those brave souls. Just remember: timing isn’t everything; it’s the *only* thing. Now, go forth and move your body—the stakes are high, but so are your chances at a healthier life.
**Interview with Helen Croker, Assistant Director of Research and Policy at the World Cancer Research Fund**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Helen. Your recent study has provided some groundbreaking insights regarding physical activity and colorectal cancer risk. Can you explain briefly what inspired this research?
**Helen Croker:** Thank you for having me. This study was motivated by the growing evidence that physical activity is a significant factor in cancer prevention. We wanted to explore not just *how much* exercise is beneficial, but also *when* it can be most effective, which is an area that’s often overlooked.
**Editor:** Fascinating! So, can you tell us about the key findings of your study?
**Helen Croker:** Certainly. We found two peak times of day—afternoon and evening—when exercising could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 11% among participants. Those who engaged in physical activity at these times showed better protective benefits compared to those who were active in the morning or at inconsistent times.
**Editor:** That’s quite significant! You mentioned that previous inactivity plays a role here. Can you elaborate on that?
**Helen Croker:** Yes, absolutely. Our research highlighted that individuals who led a more sedentary lifestyle experienced greater benefits from starting to exercise, particularly when they incorporated activity in the afternoon and evening. This suggests that encouraging previously inactive individuals to adopt specific patterns of exercise could have a major impact on their health.
**Editor:** It sounds like timing your workouts could be a game changer in cancer prevention. What do you hope these findings will lead to in terms of future recommendations for the public?
**Helen Croker:** We hope this study lays the groundwork for more tailored guidelines regarding physical activity for cancer prevention. If confirmed by further research, we could create specific recommendations that not only focus on the amount of exercise but also the timing, making it easier for people to integrate healthier habits into their daily lives.
**Editor:** That makes perfect sense! For those who struggle with implementing these changes, what are your suggestions for getting started with afternoon or evening workouts?
**Helen Croker:** Start small! Even short, achievable bursts of activity in the afternoon—like a brisk walk or a quick gym session—can be beneficial. Gradually build up your routine by finding activities you enjoy and setting a specific time that fits your lifestyle. Consistency is key, and the more integrated it becomes, the easier it will be.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Helen. Your research promises to illuminate new paths in cancer prevention strategies, and we appreciate the important work you’re doing!
**Helen Croker:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited about the potential impact of our findings on public health. It’s all about making informed choices that can lead to longer, healthier lives.