Levels of physical activity for colon cancer prevention compared with generic public health recommendations: population prevalence and sociodemographic correlates.
BACKGROUND
The proportion of Australian adults achieving physical activity levels believed to be sufficient for colon cancer prevention was estimated, and sociodemographic correlates (age, gender, educational attainment, occupation, marital status, and children in household) of meeting these levels of activity were analyzed.


METHODS
Data from the 2000 National Physical Activity Survey were used to estimate the prevalence of participation in physical activity in relation to three criteria: generic public health recommendations, weekly amount of at least moderate-intensity physical activity currently believed to reduce risk of colon cancer, and weekly amount of vigorous-intensity physical activity believed to reduce risk of colon cancer.


RESULTS
Overall, 46% of adults met the generic public health criterion, 26% met the colon cancer criterion based on participation in at least moderate-intensity physical activity, and 10% met the colon cancer criterion based on vigorous-intensity physical activity. Women were less likely than men to meet the colon cancer criteria. Younger and more educated persons were more likely to meet all three criteria. The most pronounced differences between gender, age, and educational attainment groups were found for meeting the amount of vigorous-intensity physical activity believed to reduce risk of colon cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
The population prevalence for meeting proposed physical activity criteria for colon cancer prevention is low and much lower than that related to the more generic public health recommendations. If further epidemiologic studies confirm that high volumes and intensities of activity are required, the public health challenges for colon cancer will be significant.
Cerin
Ester
E
Cancer Prevention Research Centre, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Level 3, Public Health Building, Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia. e.cerin@sph.uq.edu.au
Leslie
Eva
E
Bauman
Adrian
A
Owen
Neville
N
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004522:Educational Status; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D015995:Prevalence; D011634:Public Health