Middle Age Fitness Lowers Cancer Risk in Men During Senior Years

Men who are fit during middle-age can lower their risk of colorectal and lung cancer during later years, a new study claims.

According to BBC, high levels of fitness in middle-aged men also implied better outcomes when being treated with cancer in the future. The study found that highly fit middle-aged men had a 55 percent lowered risk of lung cancer and a 45 percent lowered risk of colorectal cancer. The four-decade study involved 14,000 men with average age of 49 years.

The participants' fitness level was assessed before the start of the study and was reassessed during the study period. The participants were divided into three groups depending on fitness levels.

Based on health records of men, who had turned 65 by 2009, 200 were diagnosed with lung cancer, 181 with colorectal cancer and 1,310 were diagnosed of prostate cancer.

The incidence of colorectal and lung cancer was the smallest in the high fitness group while prostate cancer did not show any association with fitness.

"These findings provide support for the utility of (cardio-respiratory fitness) assessment, via maximal exercise treadmill testing, in preventive health care settings and possibly following a diagnosis of cancer," the study's lead author Susan G. Lakoski said.

Researchers believe that informing people about the exact difference changes in fitness can make, would help in easier adoption of healthy lifestyle.