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Physical Fitness Cuts Bladder and Kidney Cancer Risk, 22-Year Study Shows

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 11:16 GMT by The Times of India

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How a 22‑Year Study Shows Physical Fitness Cuts Bladder and Kidney Cancer Risk

A landmark 22‑year cohort study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, has revealed that higher levels of physical fitness can substantially lower the risk of developing bladder and kidney cancers. The research—conducted across a large, diverse population—provides some of the most robust evidence to date linking regular exercise with a healthier urinary tract and kidney health.

The Study at a Glance

• Population: 120,000 adults aged 18–74, enrolled between 1995 and 1997, were followed through 2019.
• Assessment of Fitness: At baseline, participants completed a validated questionnaire detailing hours per week spent in moderate‑to‑vigorous activity (e.g., brisk walking, running, cycling). Fitness levels were then converted into metabolic equivalents (MET‑hours), a standardized measure of energy expenditure.
• Outcomes: Incidence of bladder and kidney cancers was captured through national cancer registries and hospital records. Researchers also tracked other potential confounders—smoking status, body mass index (BMI), diet, alcohol consumption, and family history of cancer.

The investigators categorized participants into low, moderate, and high fitness groups based on the distribution of MET‑hours. During the follow‑up period, 1,520 bladder cancers and 860 kidney cancers were diagnosed.

Key Findings

The results were striking: people in the highest fitness group had almost a half‑the risk of bladder and kidney cancers compared with those in the lowest group. Importantly, the protective effect remained significant even after adjusting for smoking—a major bladder‑cancer risk factor—and BMI.

How Does Exercise Work Its Magic?

The authors discuss several plausible mechanisms that might explain the inverse relationship between fitness and urinary‑tract cancers:

1. Reduced Chronic Inflammation
   Regular physical activity dampens systemic inflammatory markers (e.g., C‑reactive protein, interleukin‑6). Chronic inflammation is a recognized promoter of tumorigenesis in the bladder and kidney.

2. Hormonal Balance
   Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and lowers circulating insulin and insulin‑like growth factor‑1 (IGF‑1) levels. Elevated insulin and IGF‑1 have been linked to higher cancer risk, including renal cell carcinoma.

3. Immune Surveillance
   Physical activity boosts natural killer (NK) cell activity and improves the functionality of T‑cells, enhancing the body’s ability to detect and eliminate malignant cells.

4. Enhanced Detoxification
   More vigorous activity can increase renal perfusion and filtration, potentially aiding the excretion of carcinogenic substances.

5. Weight Management
   Although the study adjusted for BMI, fitness independently predicted lower cancer risk beyond weight control alone, suggesting additional benefits.

Context Within the Broader Cancer‑Prevention Landscape

The study aligns with a growing body of evidence that links moderate to vigorous exercise with reduced risk for several cancers—including colorectal, breast, and prostate. However, bladder and kidney cancers have received less attention in public health messaging, partly because the role of lifestyle factors is not as well understood.

A 2019 review by the American Cancer Society cited the same 22‑year study as a primary source for its recommendations on physical activity. The Society now encourages adults to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate‑to‑vigorous activity weekly, echoing the findings that higher MET‑hour thresholds correlate with greater protection.

Practical Take‑aways for Readers

1. Aim for Consistency
   The study highlights that even incremental increases in activity—such as adding a 20‑minute walk five days a week—can shift a person from the low to moderate fitness category, yielding meaningful risk reduction.

2. Mix It Up
   Combining aerobic exercise (running, cycling) with resistance training (weight lifting, body‑weight exercises) maximizes metabolic benefits and overall fitness.

3. Monitor Progress
   Tracking activity via smartphone apps or wearable devices can help maintain motivation and allow you to see tangible MET‑hour improvements.

4. Address Other Risk Factors
   While fitness is powerful, it should be part of a holistic strategy that includes smoking cessation, limiting alcohol, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and regular medical check‑ups.

5. Know Your Baseline
   If you have a family history of bladder or kidney cancer, consider speaking with your physician about a tailored exercise plan that fits your health status.

Looking Ahead

The researchers suggest that future studies could explore whether different types of exercise (e.g., high‑intensity interval training versus steady‑state cardio) confer varying degrees of protection, and whether these benefits differ by gender or ethnicity. Meanwhile, public health agencies are beginning to weave these findings into broader cancer‑prevention guidelines.

In the meantime, the take‑home message is clear: Staying physically fit is a potent, modifiable way to lower your chances of bladder and kidney cancers—an insight backed by more than two decades of data. The next time you lace up your shoes or hop on the bike, remember that each stride could be a step toward a healthier, cancer‑free future.