In the journals: Healthy lifestyle, including plenty of physical activity, cuts colon cancer risk
A study underscores the extent to which a healthier lifestyle can lower your risk of developing colon cancer. The study was distinguished by the use of a comprehensive risk model that not only addressed multiple risk factors, but also weighed their changing impact over time. Previous studies have mostly focused on individual factors that either increase colon cancer risk (for example, high red meat consumption) or lower the risk (for example, aspirin use or exercise).
The analysis, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology (Oct. 1, 2009), calculated the incidence and relative risk of colon cancer in women up to age 70. The data came from the Nurses' Health Study and included 83,767 women who were ages 30 to 54 when the investigation began in 1976. The women were followed for 24 years while researchers gathered information about their height and weight, health habits, menopausal status, family and personal history of colon cancer, history of colon cancer screening, and use of aspirin, alcohol, and hormone therapy.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.