Long-distance running is known for its many health benefits, such as enhanced heart health, a faster metabolism, weight loss, and a lower chance of many chronic diseases. Regular exercise is really linked to a lower risk of many types of cancer, including colon cancer. People do occasionally wonder if excessive endurance training, like running a marathon or an ultra-distance race, could make some health problems worse. This is what physicians advise runners should know about the danger of colon cancer when they run great distances.
Colon cancer
Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, starts in the large intestine and usually starts as little growths called polyps that can turn into cancer over time. According to research from throughout the world, colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, even in India.
Some of the biggest risk factors are:
- Family history of colon cancer
- A diet strong in red meat and processed foods
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- A lot of drinking
- Living a sedentary existence
- Bowel illness that causes inflammation
Not getting enough exercise is a known risk factor, which means that regular exercise is usually good for you.
Does running long distances make you more likely to have colon cancer?
There is no current scientific evidence that long-distance running raises the risk of colon cancer. In reality, several studies show the opposite: frequent moderate to intense exercise lowers the risk of getting colorectal cancer.
Studies from groups like the World Health Organization and the American Cancer Society repeatedly show that people who exercise regularly are 20–30% less likely to get colon cancer than people who don’t.
Exercise helps in the following ways:
- Improving bowel movement (less time for toxins to stay in touch with the colon lining)
- Reducing inflammation
- Keeping insulin levels in check
- Helping to keep a healthy body weight
- Boosting the immune system
- These mechanisms work together to lower the risk of cancer, not raise it.
What Caused the Confusion? Things to Think About for Endurance Athletes
Some people are worried because severe endurance training can put stress on the body for a short time. Doctors say that running at a high intensity for a long time may cause:
- Irritation in the gut for a short time
- Higher permeability of the intestines (also known as “leaky gut”)
- Not enough water
- Bleeding in the digestive system (which is infrequent and typically not serious)
But these effects are usually just temporary, and there is no proof that they raise the risk of colon cancer in the long run. Runners may have stomach problems, including cramps or blood in their stool, during strenuous events. These problems should not be overlooked, but they are not the same as cancer risk.
When Should Runners Be Worried?
Doctors tell runners to look out for warning signals that need medical attention, such as:
- Blood in stool that doesn’t go away
- Weight reduction that can’t be explained
- Long-term pain in the stomach
- Changes in bowel habits that endure for longer than a few weeks
- A history of colorectal cancer in the family
Colon cancer can affect even very active people, especially if they have a family history of the disease. Being physically fit does not totally get rid of risk.
The Protective Role of Working Out
In fact, running and aerobic exercise on a daily basis are commonly suggested as ways to lower the risk of colon cancer. Working out helps:
- Get rid of visceral fat
- Make insulin work better
- Lower inflammation in the body
- Encourage quicker movement through the intestines
Long-term evidence reveals that people who run regularly tend to have a lower total cancer death rate than people who don’t run.
Training that is balanced is important
Doctors stress the importance of balance, even while running is good for you:
- Don’t train too much
- Make sure you drink enough water and eat well.
- Add strength training
- Give yourself enough time to heal.
- Eat a lot of plants and fiber.
- Long-term risk is based on more than just how many miles you run.
There is little scientific evidence to support the assertion that long-distance running elevates the risk of colon cancer. In fact, regular exercise, like jogging, is linked to a far lower chance of getting colorectal cancer. Extreme endurance training can put a lot of stress on the digestive system for a short time, but it doesn’t seem to raise the risk of cancer in the long run. Runners should pay attention to balanced training, good nutrition, and regular checkups, especially if they have risk factors. One of the best ways to safeguard your colon health and general health is to stay active.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
