Physical activity and diet
Lifestyle factors such as physical activity and diet have been shown to affect the risk of several cancers. The Cancer Registry has several current projects examining the relationship between fitness and physical activity, diet and cancer risk.
Diet has an impact on cancer risk, particularly for colorectal cancers. A healthy diet that can slow the development, and decrease the risk of colorectal cancer is rich in fibre and dairy, and low in processed meat, red meat and alcohol.
Both physical activity and a healthy diet prevent the development of overweight and obesity, which are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, breast cancer in postmenopausal women, as well as cancer of the uterus, ovary, prostate, mouth, throat, palate, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas and gallbladder.
Although we currently know a lot about how physical activity and diet affect cancer risk, we need more research and knowledge in order to provide more targeted dietary guidelines in many areas including:
- More population-based studies with valid measurements of level of physical activity and diet over time, in order to obtain more knowledge of how these factors affect cancer risk and mortality.
- Studies into the biological mechanisms of how physical activity and diet affect cancer development.
- Studies showing the importance of lifestyle changes, as well as more knowledge on effective interventions to influence the population to make positive changes in lifestyle habits and diet.
Ongoing projects
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.
The microbiome as a colorectal cancer screening biomarker (CRCbiome)
Presence of certain bacteria in the gut are strongly associated with colorectal cancer. This project aims to discover gut microbiota biomarkers for colorectal cancer screening.
Lifestyle changes and future health
It is well-known that a smoke-free life, a healthy diet, and physical activity can prevent cancer and premature death. Less is known about whether making lifestyle changes in adulthood can have a positive impact. In this project, we investigate whether adopting healthy lifestyle changes can increase the number of healthy years lived.
Personalized colorectal cancer screening by lifestyle
Colorectal cancer screening reduces the incidence and mortality of cancer. However, many individuals undergo unnecessary examinations because they do not have cancer or precancerous lesions. Screening programs often employ a "one-size-fits-all" approach where the only utilized risk factor is age. This project aims to investigate whether information about lifestyle can be used to personalize colorectal cancer screening according to participants' risk profiles.
Impact of vitamin D and obesity on bladder cancer
The project examines whether obesity and vitamin D levels affect the risk of developing bladder cancer.
Vitamin D and cancer prognosis
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is our main source of vitamin D, and laboratory studies have shown that vitamin D regulates mechanisms that are crucial in cancer development. Results from observational studies also suggest that adequate levels of vitamin D can improve survival in cancer patients. This project investigates the associations between vitamin D and cancer prognosis, based on serum samples from the Janus Serum Bank and cancer data from the Cancer Registry.
