Can Cardiorespiratory Fitness Lower Your Cancer Death Risk?

It’s no secret that cardiorespiratory fitness (also known as aerobic fitness) contributes to your overall heart heath. You’ve likely heard about the other benefits too – it helps manage your weight, increase bone density and reduce blood pressure.

But what about reducing your risk of dying from cancer? Recently, I worked with colleagues on a study that examined the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and cancer mortality.

The study analyzed almost 20 years of data collected on 8506 participants born between October 1988 to October 1994. We examined age, body mass index, waist circumference, resting heart rate, physical activity status and smoking status to determine estimated cardiorespiratory fitness.

Our findings revealed a strong link – by increasing cardiorespiratory fitness (measured in METs or metabolic equivalent), there was a significant reduction in all-cancer deaths – 30% in men and 27% in women. You can check out the full study published by the Mayo Clinic here.

So, what are you waiting for? Here’s 5 cardio respiratory fitness activities you can try out today:

1. Walking or Running
2. Step Aerobics
3. Biking
4. Jumping Role
5. Swimming