Physical activity and risk of gastric cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies

Background Studies evaluating the relationship of physical activity and stomach cancer risk have yielded inconsistent and largely inconclusive results. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that assessed the relationship between physical activity and r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of sports medicine 2015-02, Vol.49 (4), p.224-229
Main Authors: Abioye, Ajibola Ibraheem, Odesanya, Majeed Olaniyi, Abioye, Asanat Iyabode, Ibrahim, Nasiru Akanmu
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alcohol
Cardia
Developing countries
Disease
Epidemiologic Studies
Epidemiology
Exercise
Exercise - physiology
Female
Gastric cancer
Humans
LDCs
Lifestyles
Male
Medical Subject Headings-MeSH
Meta-analysis
Middle Aged
Mortality
Observational Studies as Topic
Physical fitness
Publication Bias
Risk Factors
Sex Factors
Smoking - adverse effects
Stomach Neoplasms - prevention & control
Studies
Systematic review
Tumors
Womens health
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Summary:Background Studies evaluating the relationship of physical activity and stomach cancer risk have yielded inconsistent and largely inconclusive results. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that assessed the relationship between physical activity and risk of gastric cancer. Methods Following a standard protocol, we searched medical literature databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Google Scholar) from inception to July 2012, and conducted a random effects meta-analysis. Results Seven prospective cohorts and four case–control studies of physical activity and gastric cancer risk, with 1 535 006 people and 7944 cases of gastric cancer were included. We found a modest protective association between sufficient physical activity and gastric cancer risk (relative risk: 0.81 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.96); I2=68.5%) in the prospective studies and (relative risk: 0.78 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.91); I2=0%) in case–control studies. The association appeared weaker in smokers than in non-smokers (p heterogeneity=0.035). The association may also be weaker for gastric cardia cancer relative to the distal non-cardia subtypes. Physical activity type (recreational or occupational), intake of alcohol, total energy intake, consumption of fruits and vegetables and infection with Helicobacter pylori had no influence on the association. The effect measure from cohort studies (relative risk: 0.82 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.97); I2=61.7%) and case–control studies (relative risk: 0.83 (95% CI 0.66 to 1.04); I2=49.8%) did not differ materially at higher physical activity levels. Conclusions We conclude that a regular physical activity may be protective against stomach cancer risk.
ISSN:0306-3674
1473-0480
DOI:10.1136/bjsports-2013-092778