what time to exercise to reduce risks?

Last week, “Dawson” actor James Van Der Beek announced he was suffering from colorectal cancer. One of the most common cancers, which affects around 47,000 people each year in France.

However, as the National Cancer Institute (INCa) points out, many cases are preventable and several modifiable risk factors relating to lifestyle have been identified.

Among them, a sedentary lifestyle. Practicing regular physical activity thus helps keep the disease at bay.

Sport, but not just any time

But a German study refines this observation. According to researchers from the University of Regensburg, the time of sports practice is very important.

The authors followed the physical activity levels and hours of practice of more than 86,000 people aged 42 to 79 for 5 years. During this period, some 529 cases of colorectal cancer were recorded.

Surprising observations: people who were active early in the morning (around 8 a.m.) and early evening (around 6 p.m.) had an 11% reduction in colorectal cancer risk. For those active throughout the day, this risk was reduced by 6%.

For Michael Leitzmann, director of the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine in Regensburg, “our study highlights that not only is physical activity important in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, but that timing could play a crucial role.

By identifying specific times – early in the morning and late in the day – when physical activity is most beneficial, our results open new avenues for targeted prevention strategies. » Results which still need to be confirmed…