Scientists Recently Discover Two Golden Hours for Exercise That Can Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk by Up to 11%
A recent study published in BMC Medicine by experts from the University of Regensburg (Germany) has identified two optimal times for physical activity that may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
Previously, researchers monitored and collected physical activity levels from 86,252 individuals aged between 42 and 79, among whom there were 529 cases of colorectal cancer.
Participants were divided into four groups based on their activity times: continuous activity throughout the day, activity in the evening, activity in the morning and evening, and activity during both midday and evening.
After five years of data collection, the research team found that the 8 AM and 6 PM time slots are the best for exercise, linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
People should exercise at 8 AM or 6 PM. (Image: Adobe Stock).
According to the study, individuals who exercised during both early and late times had an 11% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to the other three groups. The figure for those who were active throughout the day was 6%.
Professor Michael Leitzmann, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the University of Regensburg and leader of the study, emphasized the importance of exercise timing in reducing colorectal cancer risk.
“We agree that physical activity helps reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. However, the timing of exercise is equally important,” he shared.
Professor Leitzmann also expressed hope that the team’s findings could help shape future cancer prevention strategies.
Dr. Helen Croker, Assistant Director of Expertise and Policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, which sponsored the research, noted that these findings further reinforce the vital role of exercise in cancer prevention.
“Physical activity is one of the recommendations we provide to help people prevent cancer. Based on the results of this study, we will be able to expand our recommendations on the best times to exercise to maximize disease prevention,” Dr. Helen Croker stated.
Earlier, a study also demonstrated that sedentary individuals could significantly reduce their cancer risk by exercising for just 4-5 minutes at high intensity.
The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer annually, which includes both colon and rectal cancer.
According to GLOBOCAN global cancer data, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. For rectal cancer, these figures rank it as the eighth and tenth most common globally, respectively.
Colorectal cancer has long been associated with older adults, particularly those over 65; however, rates have steadily increased among individuals under 50 since the 1990s.
