A preliminary study highlighted by The New York Times has raised concerns over a possible link between long-distance running and increased markers of colon cancer risk among relatively young adults.
Presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference, the research was led by oncologist Dr. Timothy Cannon of Virginia’s Inova Schar Cancer Institute. It stemmed from his observation of three fit marathon runners in their 30s and 40s diagnosed with advanced colon cancer despite lacking known risk factors.
Examining 100 runners aged 35 to 50, the study found nearly half had precancerous colon polyps, while 15% had advanced lesions, far higher than the typical 4.5% to 6% seen in this age group.
Experts remain divided: some view it as a critical signal warranting further research, while others caution against overinterpretation given the lack of a non-runner control group and genetic analysis.
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