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Rachel V Thomas

Can Running Marathons Or Ultramarathons Raise Colon Cancer Risk? Study Sparks Concern

Colon cancer, medically known as colorectal cancer, was historically typical for people aged 50 or older. However, in recent years, the cancer that forms in the tissues of the large intestine has been increasing in prevalence in young adults. As many as one in five colorectal cancer patients today falls into this younger age group.

Now, a study published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology shows that marathons, which are one of the most celebrated physical activities, may be increasing the risk of the disease.

The team at Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Virginia, US, initiated the study after observing multiple “ultramarathoners” present to their cancer center with advanced colorectal cancer. 

To probe the link, they recruited 100 runners to undergo colonoscopies — the gold standard for screening and preventing colorectal cancer. The team then looked at runners ages 35 to 50, who had either completed at least five marathons or two ultramarathons (any runs of 50 kilometers or more).

Presenting the findings at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, Dr. Timothy Cannon, an oncologist at the Institute, stated that<ul><li>Nearly 50 per cent of the participants in the study had polyps, which can become cancerous, </li><li>15 per cent had advanced adenomas (noncancerous tumor) which are likely to become cancerous. </li></ul>

Also read:<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/colorectal-cancer-uk-surgeon-warns-of-5-silent-signs-you-shouldnt-ignore-article-154224383" data-type="tilCustomLink">Colorectal Cancer: UK Surgeon Warns Of 5 Silent Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore</a>

Almost always, colon cancers start as small growths called polyps or precancerous lesions on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. 

Moreover, the study found that the rate of advanced adenomas nearly tripled among the marathon runners, compared to the general population, at 4.5 -6 per cent. 

<h2>How Does Ultra-running Spike Chance Of Developing Colon Cancer? </h2>

In general, running and other forms of exercise are known to reduce the risk of developing colon and other cancers. At the same time, exercise-induced gastrointestinal injury is also believed to be associated with reduced blood flow to the intestines during long-distance running. 

Notably, to date there is no evidence that definitively shows running causes polyps. 

The new study presents a correlation — an increasing relationship between long-distance running and advanced adenomas. It does not prove that running directly causes the adenomas. 

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/europe-sees-record-surge-in-gonorrhea-syphilis-cases-in-over-a-decade-ecdc-article-154370073" data-type="tilCustomLink">Europe Sees Record Surge In Gonorrhea, Syphilis Cases In Over A Decade, Says ECDC</a>

The new results suggest that “intensive long-distance running is a risk factor for advanced adenomas of the colon", said Dr. Timothy, in the paper. The team also called for "refining screening strategies" for marathon runners. 

It is because runners put their bodies through a lot, which can raise the risk of chronic inflammation, enabling cancerous cells to grow. 

Their high-caloric foods for immediate energy can slow down digestion and impact your overall colon health. 

The American Cancer Society notes that colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer impacts around 1.9 million people every year, noted the World Health Organization (WHO) as per its 2022 data.

It is a disease of the large bowel and a type of cancer that originates from the rectum or colon. A person's colon, cecum, rectum, and anus make up the large intestine. 

According to experts, if you are above 45 years of age or have high-risk factors, you need to take the initiative to be screened, as the symptoms appear late, impacting treatment outcomes. 

The common red flags for colorectal cancer include:

<ul><li>rectal bleeding, </li><li>persistent abdominal discomfort, </li><li>pain, </li><li>a noticeable change in bowel habits.</li></ul>

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Colon cancer, medically known as colorectal cancer, was historically typical for people aged 50 or older. However, in recent years, the cancer that forms in the tissues of the large intestine has been increasing in prevalence in young adults. As many as one in five colorectal cancer patients today falls into this younger age group. Now, a study published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology shows that marathons, which are one of the most celebrated physical activities, may be increasing the risk of the disease. What Did The Study Find? The team at Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Virginia, US, initiated the study after observing multiple “ultramarathoners” present to their cancer center with advanced colorectal cancer. To probe the link, they recruited 100 runners to undergo colonoscopies — the gold standard for screening and preventing colorectal cancer. The team then looked at runners ages 35 to 50, who had either completed at least five marathons or two ultramarathons (any runs of 50 kilometers or more).Presenting the findings at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, Dr. Timothy Cannon, an oncologist at the Institute, stated thatNearly 50 per cent of the participants in the study had polyps, which can become cancerous, 15 per cent had advanced adenomas (noncancerous tumor) which are likely to become cancerous. Also read:Colorectal Cancer: UK Surgeon Warns Of 5 Silent Signs You Shouldn’t IgnoreAlmost always, colon cancers start as small growths called polyps or precancerous lesions on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Moreover, the study found that the rate of advanced adenomas nearly tripled among the marathon runners, compared to the general population, at 4.5 -6 per cent. How Does Ultra-running Spike Chance Of Developing Colon Cancer? In general, running and other forms of exercise are known to reduce the risk of developing colon and other cancers. At the same time, exercise-induced gastrointestinal injury is also believed to be associated with reduced blood flow to the intestines during long-distance running. Notably, to date there is no evidence that definitively shows running causes polyps. The new study presents a correlation — an increasing relationship between long-distance running and advanced adenomas. It does not prove that running directly causes the adenomas. Read More: Europe Sees Record Surge In Gonorrhea, Syphilis Cases In Over A Decade, Says ECDCThe new results suggest that “intensive long-distance running is a risk factor for advanced adenomas of the colon", said Dr. Timothy, in the paper. The team also called for "refining screening strategies" for marathon runners. It is because runners put their bodies through a lot, which can raise the risk of chronic inflammation, enabling cancerous cells to grow. Their high-caloric foods for immediate energy can slow down digestion and impact your overall colon health. What is Colorectal Cancer The American Cancer Society notes that colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer impacts around 1.9 million people every year, noted the World Health Organization (WHO) as per its 2022 data. It is a disease of the large bowel and a type of cancer that originates from the rectum or colon. A person's colon, cecum, rectum, and anus make up the large intestine. According to experts, if you are above 45 years of age or have high-risk factors, you need to take the initiative to be screened, as the symptoms appear late, impacting treatment outcomes. The common red flags for colorectal cancer include:rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal discomfort, pain, a noticeable change in bowel habits.

can running marathons or ultramarathons raise colon cancer risk? study sparks concern

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