How Do Inactivity and Sedentary Living Increase Colon Cancer Risk?

Popular, regular leisure activities in our country are sedentary ones such as watching television and spending time online. British Journal of Cancer published a study showing that, especially in men, watching television for 4 hours or more daily, promoting inactivity, markedly increases large bowel (colon and rectum = colorectal) cancer risk substantially. Let us examine together how inactivity increases the risk of large bowel cancers. 

The United Kingdom study followed more than 500 thousand men and women for approximately 6 years, identifying 2391 colorectal cancers. Most notably, men watching TV or using computers for over 4 hours daily, compared with those watching under 1 hour, had 35% higher risk. This association was not found in women.

Sedentary living is considered a main cause of health problems, and television watching is a leading example.

Prolonged TV sitting also increases blood clot risk in legs and lungs (thrombosis, pulmonary embolism). Studies also report adverse effects on sleep quality.

Colorectal Cancer and Sedentary Living

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, the large bowel's two sections. Its position as the 3rd most common cancer in both men and women in our country reflects increasing obesity, unhealthy eating and inactivity.

• Obesity's meaning, effects and the healthiest diets in light of science

Research suggests excessive television time increases colorectal cancer risk as much as smoking, sugary or alcoholic drinks and junk food.

Inactivity alongside unhealthy eating is thought to increase risk by raising body fat, altering blood hormones and prolonging colon cells' exposure to other chemicals. Exercise reduces colon cancer risk

Inactivity, prolonged TV watching and computer use increase obesity and colorectal cancer risk because they are unhealthy and encourage more eating.

The good news is that physical activity and exercise substantially reduce both obesity and colon cancer development.