Early morning and evening activities can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 11%
Being more active in the morning and evening can reduce the risk of bowel cancer by 11%, according to a study that suggests the time of peak activity could play a “crucial role” in warding off the disease.
Researchers say highlighting specific times when physical activity is “most beneficial” could pave the way for targeted cancer prevention strategies. The findings were published in the journal BMC Medicine.
The study, led by experts from the University of Regensburg in Germany, used data from the UK Biobank to assess 86,252 people aged between 42 and 79, who tracked their physical activity by wearing a device on their wrist known as an accelerometer .
Approximately 529 cases of colon cancer occurred over a follow-up period of more than five years. Researchers highlighted four activity patterns: continuous activity throughout the day, activity late in the day, activity in the morning and evening, and activity in the afternoon and at night.
They found that two daily peaks in activity, around 8am and 6pm, were “associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, in addition to the benefits of overall physical activity”.
People who were active at both the beginning and end of the day had an 11% lower risk of colorectal cancer, compared to 6% with daytime activities and no change between the middle of the day and night. Data from those active later in the day was inconclusive.
The findings held even when factors such as smoking, shift work and other variables that could influence a person’s cancer risk were taken into account, the study found.
Prof Dr. Michael Leitzmann, chairman of the department of epidemiology and preventive medicine in Regensburg, was the principal investigator of the study.
He said: “Our study highlights that physical activity is not only important for reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, but that the timing of peak activity during the day could play a crucial role.
“By identifying specific times – early in the morning and late in the day – 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 the timing of their exercise.”
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can develop anywhere in the colon, including the colon and rectum. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide.
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Dr. Helen Croker, deputy director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, which funded the study, said: “Being physically active is one of our recommendations for cancer prevention, and we know this reduces the risk of cancer. These intriguing new findings offer potential for developing more specific recommendations, including patterns and timing of physical activity, to reduce cancer risk.”