Resistance athletes in excellent physical form have unexpectedly higher incidence of colon cancer than the population average. Researchers are still trying to understand whether the resistance race directly causes the problem or only hides it.
We are used to seeing long -range runners as health symbols: Skinny bodies, full of energy and endorphins, capable of running 160 kilometers for pleasure, with heartbeat so low that they could be confused with those of a corpse.
But a recent study, presented at a conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology but not yet published, comes challenge this idea: Most demanding resistance corridors may be more likely to develop colon cancer.
It all started when Timothy Cannononcologist at Inova Schar Cancer Institute, noticed something strange. Three of his patients, all under 40, were resistance athletes in excellent physical form. They didn’t drink, they didn’t smoke and one of them was Vegan.
And yet, Everyone had colon cancer In advanced state, without any habitual risk factor.
Intrigued, the American oncologist decided to investigate the deeper case, says the. In his study, Cannon invited 100 corridors between 35 and 50 years to perform colonoscopies, Waiting to find very little.
But the results that obtained surprised him, were overwhelming: almost Half had polyps and 15% had adenomas Advanced – the type of injury that can evolve into cancer.
15% may not seem like much, but It is a high value: greatly surpasses the percentage of general population, between 4.5% and 6%, And even that of Alaska natives, which have one of the highest rates of colon cancer in the US, about 12%.
Most of these corridors I was unaware of the problem. Many attributed their symptoms as blood in the stool or cramps to the so -called “runner’s trots”(Running -associated diarrhea) or other apparently benign effects of intense exercise.
“I was surprised -One would think that running is super healthy, ”he admits Laura Linville47 years old, longtime marathon runner who participated in the study. Found that had seven polypsincluding some so large that it had to undergo additional medical procedures.
A tragic example is that of Josh Wadlingtonwhich did several ultramarathons per month and ignored symptoms for years. He died at age 41. Two other athletes who inspired the study have also died.
Researchers are still trying to understand if the resistance race directly causes the problem or if only hides it.
One of the theories suggests that the Intense exercise deflects the blood of the intestine, Leaving the cells of the private oxygen colon and triggering cycles of inflammation and repair – That the body can only bear a limited number of times. It’s like trying to mend the same flat tire repeatedly until it stops working.
Still, experts warn that more research is needed, as the study did not include a control group.
The problem becomes even more complex by increasing colorectal cancer at young ages: almost 10% of the new cases worldwide arise in people under 50.
This raises the question: it will be an exclusive problem of the most demanding resistance corridors or has already become a global trend?
There is not enough data to recommend that you leave running shoes and go to cycling or any other sport.
But there is enough information for a warning: If it is a dedicated corridor and feels that something in your body is not well, does not automatically assign the symptoms to normal wear of the race. It can be much more serious.
