Colon Cancer Prevention and the Importance of Exercise

With the recent death of Tony Snow due to colon cancer, many Americans are looking for more information about colon cancer prevention. Fortunately, according to experts, colon cancer is largely preventable. While following these practices will not guarantee that one will never be diagnosed with this condition, they do represent the best available practices for colon cancer prevention. I recently had the opportunity to discuss the importance of educating the public about methods of colon cancer prevention with Dr. Elliot Coups, Associate Member of the Fox Chase Cancer Center's Division of Population Science. "The incidence of colon cancer could be greatly reduced if more individuals engaged in largely preventive measures," he said.

Physical Activity Protects Against Colon Cancer

Indeed, Dr. Coups has recently co-authored a study analyzing the general public's knowledge of colon cancer risk factors, to be published in the August edition of Patient Education and Counseling. In the study, Dr. Coups found that 85% of the 1932 surveyed adults did not list physical activity as a method of reducing the risk of colon cancer. Professor Edward Giovannucci, M.D., of the Harvard School of Public Health, estimates that lack of adequate physical activity may be a factor in 14 percent of the cases of colon cancer diagnosed in the US each year. That translates to a possible reduction of more than 15,000 cases of colon cancer each year with increased physical activity.

While most people understand that a program of regular exercise is good for their health, the study by Dr. Coups shows that many are not being sufficiently informed about the specific benefits that physical activity provides. "The idea that exercise specifically prevents a large proportion of a common cancer may make an impact on the patient," Dr. Coups said.

More Colon Cancer Prevention Advice

While important, physical activity is just one way in which an individual can reduce their chance of contracting colon cancer. Dr. Coups outlined a more comprehensive program, "Aside from physical activity, other important steps for reducing colon cancer risk include undergoing regular colon cancer screening, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and avoiding heavy alcohol consumption."

With regard to food choice and diet, Dr. Coups stated, "Some studies have also shown that higher consumption of red meat and processed meats increases colon cancer risk. There is also some evidence that a diet high in fruits and vegetables reduces colon cancer risk. Overall, the results of research examining the link between diet and colon cancer risk have been mixed. More research is needed on this topic."

More Public Education Needed

Dr. Coups reminds physicians and health professionals that the study showed that a large number of people are confused about the specific benefits of physical activity on colon cancer risk and "that clear and consistent public health recommendations are needed regarding physical activity, and these should include information about the specific diseases for which risk is reduced by engaging in regular physical activity."

The goal is to use specific examples of benefits to motivate the public to increase their level of physical activity, not only for colon cancer prevention, but for the wide variety of health benefits associated with increased exercise. Colon cancer is just one of the potentially fatal conditions which have increased risk for sedentary individuals. While most people are aware of the benefits of exercise for good heart health, recent studies suggest benefits in slowing the effects of Alzheimer's disease and many other conditions.

Additional Sources:

Newswise. Most Adults Don't Realize Activity Lowers Colon Cancer Risk. Newswise. Retrieved on July 19^th from newswise.com/articles/view/542713

Coups EJ, Hay J, Ford JS. Awareness of the Role of Physical Activity in Colon Cancer Prevention.Patient Education and Counseling 71(2), 2008