Researcher: Sedentary Jobs May Contribute to Colon Cancer

Sedentary jobs may contribute to the development of colon cancer, according to a professor at the University of Wollongong in Australia.

"The strongest evidence about the role of physical activity as a protective factor is in relation to colon cancer," said Professor Neville Owen who spoke at a Queensland Cancer Fund conference on behavioral science in cancer prevention in Brisbane.

Prolonged periods of sitting, such as working at a computer terminal, may allow waste chemicals in food to "fester," causing dangerous cellular changes in the bowel.

"Bowel transit time is believed to be a factor, because the more active you are the less time there is for these chemicals to cause problems," said Owens.

Physical activity also affects immune function and hormonal patterns, added Owens.

Owens suggests that at least one-hour daily of physical activity is needed to prevent cancer. He encouraged people to think of exercise as an opportunity rather than an inconvenience.

Other sources: AAP