Marathon runners may face higher colon cancer risk, study suggests
NCT ID NCT05419531
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study checked how common colorectal polyps and cancer are in endurance athletes aged 35 to 50 who run ultramarathons or multiple marathons. Researchers gave 94 participants a screening colonoscopy and compared their results to historical data from the general population. The goal was to see if young athletes have a higher risk of colorectal issues.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If this study finds a higher rate of polyps in athletes, it could suggest that extreme endurance exercise may increase colorectal cancer risk, leading to better screening guidelines.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed observational study with only 94 participants, so results may not apply to all athletes. It does not test any treatment or intervention.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Inova Schar Cancer Institute
Fairfax, Virginia, 22031, United States