A new study says the time of day that you exercise might impact your risk of bowel cancer.
Researchers at the University of Regensburg in Germany examined data from the UK Biobank of over 86,000 people ranging in age from 42 to 79. The individuals tracked their physical activity by wearing an accelerometer, like those found in popular fitness trackers like Fitbit.
While activity is already thought to reduce colorectal cancer risk, the time of day may impact its effectiveness.
To conduct the study, researchers grouped activity into four buckets: continuous daylong activity, activity late in the day, activity in the morning and evening, and activity at midday and night.
The findings showed that physical activity around 8 a.m. and then again at 6 p.m. was associated with an 11% reduction in bowel cancer risk “beyond the benefits of overall physical activity.”
Texas Oncology says that an estimated 152,810 cases of colon and rectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. More than 53,000 people in the country are expected to succumb to colorectal cancer in 2024. In Texas, 12,260 cases of colon and rectal cancer are anticipated, with over 4,400 deaths.
The Dallas Express reported that weight-loss drugs like Ozempic may reduce colorectal cancer risk. The drugs are thought to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflation, which might help prevent abnormal cell growth in the colon and, ultimately, colorectal cancer.
“Our study highlights that not only is physical activity important for reducing colorectal cancer risk, but the timing of peak activity throughout the day could play a crucial role,” said Prof. Dr. Michael Leitzmann, chair of the epidemiology and preventive medicine department at Regensburg, per The Guardian.
“By identifying specific times – early morning and late day – when physical activity is most beneficial, our findings open new avenues for targeted prevention strategies… If confirmed by future research, this could provide a simple yet impactful way for individuals to further reduce their cancer risk through the timing of their exercise,” added Leitzmann.