Leitzmann Delivers 2019 Schatzkin Lecture on Physical Activity and Cancer
, by DCEG Staff
Dr. Michael Leitzmann (left), with Dr. Rashmi Sinha and Dr. Christian Abnet
Dr. Michael Leitzmann, Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the University of Regensburg, Germany, received a warm welcome on April 25th as he gave the 2019 Arthur Schatzkin Memorial Lecture before an audience of collaborators and former colleagues. This annual lecture, hosted by the Metabolic Epidemiology Branch (MEB), honors the memory of Arthur Schatzkin, M.D., Dr.P.H., a visionary scientist, mentor, and leader in the field of nutritional epidemiology.
Between 2002 and 2008, Dr. Leitzmann was an investigator in DCEG and worked closely with Dr. Schatzkin. In delivering his talk, entitled, “Physical Activity and Cancer: Epidemiology and Mechanisms,” Dr. Leitzmann took many opportunities to reflect on his mentor’s scientific achievements, as well as his unique personal qualities: his sense of humor, kindness, and dedication to translating findings from epidemiologic research to improve public health.
Physical activity and obesity exhibit opposite effects across numerous pathways, including sex hormones, metabolic function, and chronic inflammation, likely effecting cancer risk through similar mechanisms. In summarizing the data, Dr. Schatzkin echoed his mentor: “We can probably reduce cancer risk by increasing physical activity, regardless of its effect on BMI.”
Dr. Leitzmann identified a number of research gaps, including the need for studies that consider physical activity and obesity as an integrated concept; evidence from short-term physical activity intervention studies; studies of different types of activity; and assessment of the relationship with distinct body fat compartments. During the question and answer period, an additional gap—measurement error—was discussed and agreed upon.
Following the lecture, Dr. Leitzmann participated in a fellows’ luncheon, facilitated by Elizabeth Salerno, Ph.D., M.P.H, Cancer Prevention Fellow in MEB, where fellows learned more about Dr. Leitzmann’s career trajectory from clinical medicine to epidemiology.
“The fellows who attended seemed to really enjoy the opportunity to talk with Dr. Leitzmann,” said Dr. Salerno. “He highlighted the importance of passion in science, and fellows were able to engage in a great discussion of the biological mechanisms of physical activity behavior and the role of culture in its uptake. The time flew by.”