Physical Activity and Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk: A Review

Abstract

Introduction: Western lifestyle characterized by increased consumption of red meat, fat, processed food, smoking, alcohol drinking, lower consumption of vegetables and physical inactivity has been associated with a higher gastrointestinal cancer risk. Digestive system cancers are diagnosed at late stages when they show poor response to treatment and are associated with a high mortality rate. Colorectal, gastric, esophageal and pancreatic cancers are among the most common cancers worldwide. Studies show that more than 50% of gastrointestinal cancers develop as a result of inappropriate lifestyle. An inverse association between physical activity and many chronic diseases has been proved so far. However, the association between physical activity and some gastrointestinal cancers is still controversial. This study was aimed to determine the association between physical activity and gastrointestinal cancers risk. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of English and Persian databases from February 2007 till December 2017, for studies investigating the association of physical activity and risk of gastrointestinal cancers. Finally, after reading full text of articles, 123 studies were included. Results: Physical activity can be helpful in reducing the risk of gastrointestinal cancer, especially colon and pancreatic cancers. The risk reduction is not similar for different types of gastrointestinal cancers and also among males and females. Conclusion: Different types of physical activity are associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal cancer. However, it is unknown which type and intensity of physical activity are associated with a protective effect against gastro-intestinal cancer.

Dietary and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Gastric and Pancreatic Cancers: A Case-Control Study

“…Regular physical activity may lower cancer risk. Several studies have demonstrated that avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and participating in physical activities is helpful for reducing the risk of digestive system cancers ( Tayyem et al, 2013 ; Tajabadi et al, 2019 ). In the current study, most participants with GC and PC (70.9% and 73.0%, respectively) were considered minimally active (physical activity level between 600~3,000 MET-min/week) and were significantly less active than the control group.…”

“…Similarly, Zhang et al (2009) showed that participants with PC were less physically active than controls. Tajabadi et al (2019) stated that the type and intensity of physical activity associated with a protective effect against gastro-intestinal cancer is unknown. Furthermore, the exact underlying mechanisms linking physical activity to digestive system cancers are unknown.…”

“…Furthermore, water intake due to physical activity may be associated with digestive system cancer risk. Water plays a role in softening content in the gut, thus increasing waste particle transit time and diluting carcinogens that can decrease the risk of colorectal cancer ( Tajabadi et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Several studies have shown that water intake may play a role in reducing the risk of some digestive cancers. Water helps soften gut content, to increase waste particle transit time and dilute carcinogens, both of which decrease the risk of colorectal cancer ( Tayyem et al, 2013 ; Tajabadi et al, 2019 ). In this study, fewer participants with cancer consumed more than 5 cups of water per day than controls.…”