A recent study has revealed that individuals with higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels have a reduced risk of developing colon and lung cancer, as well as a decreased likelihood of mortality from these diseases.

According to the research, titled "Association Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cancer Incidence and Cancer-Specific Mortality of Colon, Lung, and Prostate Cancer Among Swedish Men" and published in JAMA Network Open, researchers found in a large cohort study that higher cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with a lower risk of colon and lung cancer, with a little likelihood of prostate cancer.

The study involved 17,709 an average age of 42 and an average body mass index (BMI) of 26. These participants were monitored for an average duration of 9.6 years. To assess their cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), a submaximal cycle ergometer test was conducted. This test estimated the individuals' maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), while ensuring their heart rate stayed below 85% of the predicted maximum.

The researchers recorded 499 newly diagnosed cases of colon cancer, 283 cases of lung cancer, and 1,918 cases of prostate cancer in the study duration. On top of this, there were 152 deaths attributed to colon cancer, 207 deaths attributed to lung cancer, and 141 deaths attributed to prostate cancer, according to Medical Express.

The study unraveled some interesting findings regarding the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and cancer. It showed that individuals with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness had a 2% lower risk of developing colon and lung cancer. However, surprisingly, there was a 1% higher incidence of prostate cancer among those with higher levels of fitness. On a positive note, individuals with higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels had a 2% lower risk of death from colon cancer, a 3% lower risk of death from lung cancer, and an impressive 5% lower risk of death from prostate cancer.

These results suggest that even though the prevalence of prostate cancer was higher in this group, their overall risk of death from the disease was still lower due to their enhanced fitness levels.

The study found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness is linked to lower risk of colon and lung cancer, as well as reduced death rates from colon, lung, and prostate cancer. Younger, non-smoking individuals with healthy BMI and high fitness levels have even lower cancer risks. Maintaining good fitness could prevent a significant percentage of colon cancer cases and deaths from lung and prostate cancer.