Did you know that staying active could help protect you from colon cancer? A new study published in the respected Mayo Clinic Proceedings shows just how powerful exercise can be — and two of our own doctors helped lead the way.
Dr. Aamir Ali and Dr. Dominique Howard from Capital Digestive Care recently co-authored a major research article that looked at how fitness levels affect the chances of getting colon cancer. Their work adds to growing evidence that regular physical activity isn’t just good for your heart — it’s also important for your digestive health.
What the Study Found
The study followed over 640,000 U.S. veterans for about 10 years. None of them had cancer when the study began. Researchers measured how fit each person was using a treadmill test, then tracked who developed colon cancer over time.
Here’s what they discovered:
- People who were more fit had a lower risk of getting colon cancer.
- Even a small increase in fitness made a difference. For every step up in fitness level, the risk dropped.
- The most fit group had a 57% lower riskof colon cancer compared to the least fit group.
- These benefits were seen in both men and women, and across different races.
What This Means for You
The good news? You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit. The study showed that even moderate fitness levels — the kind most middle-aged and older adults can reach — were linked to lower cancer risk.
Simple activities like walking, biking, swimming, or dancing can help improve your fitness. The key is to move regularly and find something you enjoy.
Why It Matters
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers, but it’s also one of the most preventable. Along with regular screenings and a healthy diet, staying active is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
Thanks to the work of Dr. Ali and Dr. Howard, we now have even more proof that exercise plays a big role in keeping your colon healthy. Their research helps guide how we care for patients — and shows our commitment to combining expert care with the latest science.