Does exercise prevent cancer?

Though a number of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors influence your risk of developing cancer, you may already know that regular exercise is one way to lessen your odds. Adults who lead physically active lifestyles have a significantly lower risk of developing common cancers—including colorectal, or bowel, cancer—according to the CDC.

When is the best time of day to exercise to prevent cancer?

Adults who lead physically active lifestyles have a significantly lower risk of developing common cancers—including colorectal, or bowel, cancer—according to the CDC. Yet when you’re most active during the day could further cut your risk of colorectal cancer, according to a new study backed by the London-based World Cancer Research Fund. Compared to other exercise patterns studied, peak physical activity in both the morning and evening, around 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., was associated with an 11% lower risk of colorectal cancer “beyond the benefits of overall physical activity,” according to research published in September 2024 in the journal BMC Medicine. People who were continuously physically active during the day showed a 6% lower risk. People who were active in the middle of the day and at night didn’t have a reduced risk, and data were inconclusive for those mostly active later in the day.

What counts as physical activity?

Any movement that uses your skeletal muscles and requires more energy than resting is considered physical activity, according to the National Cancer Institute. (Yes, doing household chores counts.) To reduce the risk of chronic diseases including cancer, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, championed by the Department of Health and Human Services, recommends adults do this much exercise weekly: 150–300 minutes of moderately intense aerobic activity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity; two days of muscle-strengthening activities; older adults should also include balance training. Whether you want to sprinkle in brief walks here and there or take up kickboxing, discuss any mobility concerns you may have with your health care provider before switching up your fitness routine.

What’s my risk of getting colorectal cancer?

About one in 23 men and one in 25 women will develop colorectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The organization lists these among the risk factors for the disease: 50+ years old; alcohol use; American Indian, Alaskan Native, African American, or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry; colorectal polyps; diet high in red and processed meats; gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy); inflammatory bowel disease; overweight or obesity; smoking; Type 2 diabetes. More than 53,000 people in the U.S. will die from colorectal cancer this year, the ACS estimates. It’s the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, fourth in women, and second for both sexes combined. The ACS recommends people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screenings at age 45.

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HealthCancer

Working out at these times of day could reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by 11%, new study says

BYLindsey Leake

Compared to other exercise patterns studied, peak physical activity in both the morning and evening was associated with an 11% lower risk of colorectal cancer, according to research published in September 2024 in the journal BMC Medicine.