People Don’t Know that Exercise Reduces Colon Cancer Risk

Although physical activity reduces colon cancer risk, few Americans are aware that exercise can help prevent it.

Only 15 percent of people responding to the Health Information National Trends Survey listed physical activity as one way to reduce the chances of getting colon cancer.

Least aware of exercise’s value in reducing risk were

People over 50
Those with less education
Individuals who thought physical activity recommendations were confusing
People who said they didn’t look for information about cancer
Those with less information about colon cancer
Less physically active individuals

Writing in Patient Education and Counseling, researchers at Fox Chase and Memorial Sloan Kettering cancer centers recommended,

Health care providers should routinely inform their patients that engaging in regular physical activity greatly reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.

SOURCE: Coups et al., Patient Education and Counseling, Volume 72, Number 2, August 2008.

This news article was originally posted on August 11th, 2008 and was accurate at the time of publication. Since then, information may have changed or links may now be outdated. Please call our Answer Line 1-877-427-2111 for the latest information, or talk to your doctor before making any medical decisions.

Posted by Kate Murphy on August 11th, 2008
Tags: colorectal cancer prevention, exercise

Comments

Franck

August 19, 2008 at 7:46am

I’m not sure but I’m 44 and I feel manytimes tired, eventhough I go to the gym three times per week,have gases frequently and I noticed that everytime I clean the toilet it appears with a thin,pink stain around, can that be a simptom of colon cancer?

Kate Murphy

August 19, 2008 at 10:05am

There can be many reasons for unusual fatigue but anemia caused by slow bleeding from colon or rectal polyps or tumors is a possibility.

The pink stain might also indicate bleeding.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer, including unexplained fatigue or rectal bleeding, should always be evaluated. The best test for finding out if the problem is cancer is a colonoscopy.

Do not accept the opinion that you are too young for cancer. Get a colonoscopy.

At the same time, don’t panic. There are many reasons for tiredness and rectal bleeding that are not cancer.

But check it out! Call your doctor and make an appointment for a physical exam, blood tests, and a colonoscopy.

Colorectal Cancer Coalition