Physical activity and risk of cancer in middle-aged men.
A prospective study was carried out to examine the relationship between physical activity and incidence of cancers in 7588 men aged 40-59 years with full data on physical activity and without cancer at screening. Physical activity at screening was classified as none/occasional, light, moderate, moderately-vigorous or vigorous. Cancer incidence data were obtained from death certificates, the national Cancer Registration Scheme and self-reporting on follow-up questionnaires of doctor-diagnosed cancer. Cancer (excluding skin cancers) developed in 969 men during mean follow-up of 18.8 years. After adjustment for age, smoking, body mass index, alcohol intake and social class, the risk of total cancers was significantly reduced only in men reporting moderately-vigorous or vigorous activity; no benefit seen at lesser levels. Sporting activity was essential to achieve significant benefit and was associated with a significant dose-response reduction in risk of prostate cancer and upper digestive and stomach cancer. Sporting (vigorous) activity was associated with a significant increase in bladder cancer. No association was seen with colo-rectal cancer. Non-sporting recreational activity showed no association with cancer. Physical activity in middle-aged men is associated with reduced risk of total cancers, prostate cancer, upper digestive and stomach cancer. Moderately-vigorous or vigorous levels involving sporting activities are required to achieve such benefit.
Wannamethee
S G
SG
Department of Primary Care and Population Science, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, NW3 2PF, UK.
Shaper
A G
AG
Walker
M
M
D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D011998:Recreation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013177:Sports; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology