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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
05:59
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Physical activity and colon cancer prevention: a meta-analysis
K Y Wolin1, Y Yan, G A Colditz
1Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. wolink@wustl.edu
British Journal of Cancer
|February 12, 2009
Summary
Regular physical activity significantly reduces colon cancer risk. This meta-analysis of 52 studies confirms that higher activity levels are linked to a lower likelihood of developing colon cancer in both men and women.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Cancer Research
Background:
- An established inverse association exists between physical activity and colon cancer risk.
- A quantitative estimate incorporating recent studies was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To formally estimate the magnitude of colon cancer risk reduction associated with physical activity.
- To examine this association by sex and study design.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 52 published studies (through June 2008).
- Random effects models used to estimate relative risks (RR) for colon cancer.
- Analyses restricted to studies with colon cancer data only; heterogeneity and publication bias evaluated.
Main Results:
- An overall inverse association between physical activity and colon cancer was observed (RR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.72, 0.81).
- The association was consistent for men (RR=0.76) and women (RR=0.79).
- Case-control studies showed a stronger inverse association (RR=0.69) than cohort studies (RR=0.83).
Conclusions:
- Physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer in both sexes.
- This study provides updated quantitative estimates of this significant inverse relationship.
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