The Role of physical activity in the prevention of colorectal cancer - a review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2026.92.72385Keywords
colorectal cancer, physical acivity, insulin, IGF-1, gut microbiome, sedentary behavior, Exercise oncologyAbstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer mortality. Modifiable factors, primarily physical inactivity, account for 70% of cases. Physical activity (PA) reduces CRC risk by 20–25%, yet precise molecular pathways require synthesis to refine prevention.
Aim: To synthesize biological mechanisms of PA in CRC mitigation and evaluate optimal intensity, dose, and sedentary behavior impact for targeted recommendations.
Materials and Methods: A literature review (PubMed, Scopus; 2008–2024) was conducted, integrating meta-analyses and clinical guidelines on the insulin/IGF-1 axis, myokine signaling, and gut microbiota metagenomics.
Results: Four pathways were identified: 1) Metabolic: modulation of insulin/IGF-1 axis and sensitivity, 2) Immunological: reduced visceral adiposity and inflammation via myokines and NK-cell surveillance, 3) Mechanical: accelerated transit and improved bile acid metabolism, 4) Microbial: increased butyrate-producing bacteria and mucosal integrity; Protection follows a dose-response relationship, peaking at >300 min/week, especially combining aerobic and resistance training. Interrupting sedentary behavior is a critical independent factor for colonic niche health.
Conclusions: PA acts as a systemic biological intervention that inhibits the initiation of neoplastic transformation. Maximum risk reduction requires multimodal training (aerobic and resistance) and the mitigation of prolonged sedentary behavior. "Precision Exercise Oncology" should prioritize individualized prescriptions based on molecular and genetic profiles.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Szymon Kurciński, Julia Kurcińska, Martyna Kudła , Paweł Czechowicz, Justyna Czechowicz, Gabriela Zając, Aleksandra Arczyńska-Antkiewicz, Maria Drozd, Paulina Łobaza, Agata Krawczyk , Natalia Pawełczak, Dorota Kołkowicz, Julia Kociuba, Zuzanna Kruczek, Mikołaj Antkiewicz
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