Skeptics with a K

Episode #434

October 2, 2025

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  • A preliminary, non-peer-reviewed study suggested a significantly elevated rate of advanced adenomas (pre-cancerous polyps) in ultramarathon runners compared to historical benchmarks, prompting caution regarding media oversimplification of the findings. 
  • The discussion highlighted the critical importance of peer review and proper study controls, noting that media reporting often focuses on sensational headlines derived from abstracts, potentially leading the public to draw incorrect conclusions about causality or risk. 
  • The episode announced upcoming speakers for QED, including climate expert and comedian Dr. Matt Winning, and a panel discussing free speech and the culture war featuring experts from Where There's Woke and Liberty. 

Segments

Introduction and Host Setup
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(00:01:07)
  • Key Takeaway: The episode is dedicated to science, reason, and critical thinking.
  • Summary: The hosts introduce themselves and the date, noting the start of October and the upcoming QED event.
Alice’s Scientific Expertise
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(00:03:27)
  • Key Takeaway: Having a PhD requires understanding the boundaries and caveats of one’s specific knowledge.
  • Summary: Alice discusses her PhD in cancer cell biology, explaining that her expertise is mechanistic and not universally applicable to all aspects of cancer.
Study on Runners and Colon Cancer
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(00:07:23)
  • Key Takeaway: A friend sent a paper linking long-distance running to advanced colon adenomas, prompting concern.
  • Summary: The hosts introduce the study titled ‘Risk of Precancerous Advanced Adenomas of the Colon in Long Distance Runners’ and initial reactions to it.
Abstract vs. Full Paper Status
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(00:09:27)
  • Key Takeaway: The source material is only a conference abstract, not a full, peer-reviewed paper.
  • Summary: Alice clarifies that the document is an abstract for a poster presented at ASCO, meaning the data and full interpretation have not been peer-reviewed.
Study Design and Control Issues
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(00:12:34)
  • Key Takeaway: The study found a high rate of pre-cancerous polyps (15%) in runners vs. 1.2% benchmark, but lacked an adequate control group.
  • Summary: The researchers were motivated by clinical observation. The study design is preliminary, and the comparison to historical benchmark data is noted as a weakness.
Running, Gut Health, and Dismissed Symptoms
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(00:20:33)
  • Key Takeaway: Ultramarathon running is an extreme sport known to cause gut distress, which might lead runners or doctors to dismiss serious symptoms.
  • Summary: Discussion covers runner’s gut, exercise-induced ischemic colitis, and how the perception of runners as low-risk might delay necessary investigation.
Critique of Media Headlines
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(00:29:33)
  • Key Takeaway: Headlines often sensationalize preliminary findings, causing the public to believe running causes cancer, regardless of caveats.
  • Summary: The hosts review headlines from major outlets, noting that most people only read the headline, leading to misinformation about causality.
QED Conference Updates
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(00:35:02)
  • Key Takeaway: Dr. Matt Winning and a panel on free speech are confirmed for the QED conference lineup.
  • Summary: Updates are given on new speakers and panels for QED, including details on purchasing live stream access.