Physical Activity and Colorretal Cancer: Case-Control Study in the City of Pelotas

Abstract

Introduction: Neoplasms are one of the main prevalent health problems. Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high incidence in Brazil, the treatment of the disease consists in helping the immune system to fight the malignant cells, and the practice of exercises can help its prevention. Studies addressing the risk factors for CRC found consistent data about inadequate diet, physical inactivity, obesity, alcohol, and tobacco use, but it was not possible to find data on the history of physical activity (PA) of patients diagnosed with CRC in Brazil. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether physical activity (PA) during the lifespan can influence the likelihood of developing the disease. Method: A case-control study was carried out. Cases were obtained from oncologic health centers in Pelotas, Brazil. Two controls were found for each case in the same health center. Both groups were age-matched (±5 years), 82 cases and 165 controls participated in the study. Results: Based in the raw and adjusted analyzes for the confounding factors, PA in its four domains and total PA performed throughout life were not associated with the outcome. Conclusion: The results analyzed in this study were, mostly, contrary to those found in the literature, with possible explanations being the profile of PA of the population studied, the characteristics of occupational physical activity and the sample size.