Physical effort – an underused preventable method in colorectal cancer

Mihaita Patrasescu^{1, 2}, Petrut Nuta¹, Raluca S. Costache^{1, 2}, Sandica Bucurica^{1, 2}, Bogdan Macadon¹, Vasile Balaban^{1, 2}, Andrada Popescu^{1, 2}, Roxana Calin¹, Ioana Raduta¹, Daniel Pantile¹, Florentina Ioniţă Radu^{1, 3}, Mariana Jinga^{1, 2}

1 - Carol Davila University Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest
2 - Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of General Medicine, Bucharest
3 - Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest

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Received: February 20, 2017

Accepted: July 14, 2017

Abstract:

Colorectal cancer prevalence is increasing worldwide. Modifiable risk factors are responsible for almost 50 % of cases and this could imply a huge potential of preventability. Among these factors the level of physical activity is of paramount importance. Physical activity has a positive impact on health status in general and it decreases the prevalence of various cancers including colorectal cancer. Physical activity decreases the prevalence of benign colorectal adenomas and it prolongs the disease free interval after surgery in colorectal cancer, thus increasing survival. The mechanisms involved are multiple: decreasing bowel transit time, regulating energy balance, decreasing peripheral insulin resistance, decreasing hyperinsulinism, antiinflamatory effects, increasing vitamin D production.