Combined Effect of Healthy Lifestyle Factors on Colorectal Cancer Risk

In epidemiologic studies, avoidance of smoking, maintenance of normal body weight, and regular exercise has each been shown to reduce the risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). But does having more-healthy lifestyle factors reduce one's risk for CRC even further? Whereas researchers have affirmed such an association for mortality and overall chronic disease, evidence is lacking for CRC.

To investigate, researchers conducted a prospective study of 55,487 Danish residents aged 50 to 64 with no previous cancer diagnosis. Participants received an index score of 0 to 5 points based on the number of established preventive health recommendations that they met in five areas (physical activity, waist circumference, smoking, alcohol intake, and diet).

Durin…