Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF), also known as cardiovascular fitness, refers to the body’s ability to efficiently transport oxygen to muscles during physical activity and remove waste products like carbon dioxide. It is a measure of how well the heart, lungs, and circulatory system work together to provide energy to the body. Interestingly, a recent study found that physical activity, particularly cardiorespiratory fitness, reduces the risk of nine types of cancer, such as head and neck, liver, pancreas, colon, rectum, stomach, oesophagus, kidney, and lungs. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Mohit Bhutani, assistant professor, department of Adult Cardiology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, sheds light on how it may be possible.
Study Findings
According to the study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, maintaining a healthy heart and lungs can reduce one’s risk of developing nine types of cancers.
The study used a Swedish database and analysed the health and fitness data of more than 10 lakh males who underwent military conscription from 1968-2005. This included healthy young men, as males with chronic conditions, functional disabilities, and imprisoned individuals were prohibited from conscription.
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The participants underwent standard physical assessments, including blood pressure, BMI, height and weight, and physical strength. To determine their fitness, they had to give a “maximal aerobic workload” test or VO2 max test that measures how much oxygen your body is able to use during peak performance, which is also an indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness.
The study findings suggested the males with the highest fitness levels had lower risk of nine types of cancers. This included a decrease in rectal cancer risk by 5%, followed by pancreatic cancer 12%, esophageal cancer by 39%, liver cancer by 40%, and lung cancer by 42%.
“This study highlights that fitness is also on the list of lifestyle risk factors that could change the risk of developing cancers, as has been shown previously for other diseases. Our results also show that, as for other diseases, the association seems to be linear, meaning that every positive change in fitness is associated with some risk reduction. Hence, even small additions count,” told Dr Aron Onerup, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Gothenburg, and lead author of the study to Healthline.
Surprisingly, the study found that the risk of two forms of cancer, skin cancer and prostate cancer, increase with higher cardiorespiratory fitness.
How Exercise Helps In Cancer Prevention
Dr Bhutani says, “Exercise has been shown to play a significant role in cancer prevention. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast, colon, lung, and endometrial cancer.” Here’s how it can help reduce risk of cancer:
Reduces inflammation: Chronic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Exercise helps reduce inflammation in the body, thereby lowering the risk of developing cancer.
Boosts the immune system: Regular exercise strengthens the immune system, making it more efficient in identifying and eliminating cancer cells.
Controls weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for cancer prevention. Regular exercise helps to control weight by burning calories and reducing excess body fat, which is linked to an increased risk of cancer.
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Improves hormone levels: Exercise can help regulate hormone levels, such as oestrogen and insulin, which are known to influence cancer development. Balanced hormone levels reduce the risk of certain hormone-related cancers, like breast and endometrial cancer.
Enhances digestion: Regular physical activity improves digestion and bowel movements, reducing the risk of colon cancer.
Increases antioxidant production: Exercise stimulates the production of antioxidants in the body, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This reduces the risk of DNA mutations that can lead to cancer.
Improves insulin sensitivity: Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, reducing insulin levels in the body. High insulin levels have been linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer.
Conclusion
Maintaining a good cardiorespiratory fitness helps maintain overall health. It strengthens the heart, improves lung capacity, and enhances circulation, leading to better oxygen delivery to tissues and improved energy production. This level of fitness supports overall health, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and enhances one’s ability to engage in various physical activities with greater ease and endurance.
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