Long-Term Physical Activity for Prevention of Digestive System Cancers—Consistency Is Key
Menée à partir de données des cohortes américaines "the Nurses’ Health Studies" et "the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study" portant au total sur 231 067 personnes (âge médian : 43 ans ; durée de suivi : jusqu'à 32 ans), cette étude analyse l'effet, sur le risque de cancer du système digestif, du maintien d'une activité physique à long terme (régularité, respect des recommandations intensité/durée)
Zhang et al should be congratulated on their epidemiologic study evaluating whether physical activity can lower the risk of developing or dying of a digestive system cancer, exploring how much physical activity is required, and how consistent it should be.This population-based study combined data from 3 large US prospective cohorts: Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (1988-2020); Nurses’ Health Study (1988-2021); and, Nurses’ Health Study II (1991-2021). In total, 231 067 participants, initially free from cancer and cardiovascular disease, were followed up for up to 32 years. Participants completed surveys every 2 to 4 years, capturing medical history, leisure-time physical activity, and dietary information. With response rates of 82% to 92%, adherence was excellent. Self-reported cancer diagnoses were verified through medical record review, and mortality was confirmed. Digestive system cancers (DSCs) included digestive tract (mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and colorectum), pancreas, biliary system, and liver cancers. Leisure-time physical activity was converted into metabolic equivalent task (MET) hours per week. One MET represents the resting metabolic rate equivalent to the amount of oxygen consumed while sitting quietly. To calculate MET-hours, the MET value of an activity is multiplied by the time spent doing it. For example, brisk walking (4 METs) for 1 hour equals 4 MET-hours. Consistency was determined by the percentage of follow-up years in which participants met the recommended level of physical activity according to US guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity weekly, equivalent to a minimum of 7.5 MET-hours/week.
JAMA Oncology , éditorial, 2025