Physical activity, fitness and cancer

Based on data from the "Oslo Ischemia Cohort" and The Cancer Registry of Norway, this study aim to assess relationships between physical activity, fitness and cancer.
Last updated: 1/11/2021

Background & aims

In a large number of epidemiologic studies, the relationship between physical activity and cancer risk has been investigated. However, evidence of a beneficial effect in men is poor. Measured cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) can provide knowledge about the cancer‐preventive value of physical activity. By combinding data from the Oslo Ischemia study and the Cancer Registry, this study aims to investigate the association between phycical activity, fitness and cancer risk and cancer mortality.

Data material

The Oslo Ischemia Study is a comprehensive health survey established in 1972, aimed to examine the prevalence and development of coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases in a healthy male population. In total 2014  apparently healthy men participated in the study. CRF was assessed by an incremental bicycle exercise test. Measurements of height, weight, lung capacity, and a panel of blood tests were done and information on lifestyle factors such as  smoking habits and physical activity were collected    These data were linked to the Norwegian Cancer Registry.

Publications

Robsahm TE, Falk RS, Heir T, Sandvik L, Vos L, Erikssen J, Tretli S (2017). Cardiorespiratory fitness and risk of site-specific cancers: a long-term prospective cohort study. Cancer Med, 6 (4), 865-873. PubMed 28317282

Heir T, Falk RS, Robsahm TE, Sandvik L, Erikssen J, Tretli S (2016). Cholesterol and prostate cancer risk: a long-term prospective cohort study. BMC Cancer, 16, 643 PubMed 27535659

Robsahm TE, Falk RS, Heir T, Sandvik L, Vos L, Erikssen JE, Tretli S (2016). Measured  cardiorespiratory fitness and self-reported physical activity: associations with cancer risk and death in a long-term prospective cohort study. Cancer Med, 5 (8), 2136-44. PubMed 27227704