Physical activity is associated with reduced risk of esophageal cancer, particularly esophageal adenocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Siddharth Singh, Swapna Devanna, Jithinraj Edakkanambeth Varayil, Mohammad H. Murad, Prasad G. Iyer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Physical activity has been inversely associated with risk of several cancers. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between physical activity and risk of esophageal cancer (esophageal adenocarcinoma [EAC] and/or esophageal squamous cell carcinoma [ESCC]).Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of bibliographic databases and conference proceedings from inception through February 2013 for observational studies that examined associations between recreational and/or occupational physical activity and esophageal cancer risk. Summary adjusted odds ratio (OR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using the random-effects model.Results: The analysis included 9 studies (4 cohort, 5 case-control) reporting 1,871 cases of esophageal cancer among 1,381,844 patients. Meta-analysis demonstrated that the risk of esophageal cancer was 29% lower among the most physically active compared to the least physically active subjects (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.57-0.89), with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 47%). On histology-specific analysis, physical activity was associated with a 32% decreased risk of EAC (4 studies, 503 cases of EAC; OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.55-0.85) with minimal heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). There were only 3 studies reporting the association between physical activity and risk of ESCC with conflicting results, and the meta-analysis demonstrated a null association (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.21-5.64). The results were consistent across study design, geographic location and study quality, with a non-significant trend towards a dose-response relationship.Conclusions: Meta-analysis of published observational studies indicates that physical activity may be associated with reduced risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Lifestyle interventions focusing on increasing physical activity may decrease the global burden of EAC.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number101
JournalBMC Gastroenterology
Volume14
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - May 30 2014

Keywords

  • Barrett's esophagus
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Exercise
  • Physical activity
  • Prevention

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology

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