Physical activity may contribute to the prevention of gastrointestinal carcinoma through the reduction of adipose tissue, sex hormones, growth factors, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, physical activity strengthens the intestinal microbiome. It also decreases the risks and symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases including gastroesophageal reflux disease, inflammatory bowel disease, colon adenoma, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and pancreatitis. Prospective epidemiologic studies revealed statistically significant inverse relationships of physical activity to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and cardia, colorectal carcinoma, intrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic carcinoma. In contrast, additional prospective studies are required to clarify the relationship of physical activity to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, gastric non-cardia carcinoma, carcinoma of the small intestine, and intra- and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
