Do marathons cause colon cancer? There have been several posts circulating online alongside a New York Times article about a recent study about colon cancer in long distance runners. Let’s break down the study & what you need to know about distance running and colon cancer risk!
⏱️ Chapters:
(00:00) — Gut-friendly sports drink guide intro
(00:40) — Welcome to the Gut Fit Nutrition Podcast
(01:20) — Today’s topic: Colon cancer study in long-distance runners
(02:20) — Listener reactions and episode purpose
(03:00) — Study overview & sensational media headlines
(04:20) — Study limitations: no control group, not peer-reviewed
(05:10) — Misreporting on half marathons
(06:00) — Possible mechanisms: blood flow, oxygen, runner’s colitis
(07:20) — Missing variables: hydration, NSAIDs, nutrition, body composition
(08:20) — Ultra-endurance considerations and lifestyle factors
(09:00) — Broader evidence: physical activity reduces colon cancer risk
(10:20) — Known risk factors: diet, lifestyle, genetics, IBD
(11:30) — Emerging theory: microplastics and colorectal cancer
(12:50) — Practical takeaways: study quality, balanced perspective
(14:10) — Closing thoughts, Q&A invite, community wrap-up
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🎁 Grab FREE Gut Friendly Sports Drink Guide
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👩🏻💻 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED: ⤵️
📌 Study referenced: https://meetings.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/244806
📌 PMID: 26500336
📌 PMID: 35612669
📌 PMID: 29325535
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