Physical Inactivity And Cancer Risk: Physical inactivity has long been associated with a range of negative health outcomes. These include an increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and strokes. Of late, increased cancer risk has been added to the list of medical issues that can arise with physical inactivity. Insufficient physical activity can significantly contribute to the development of various types of cancers. These include breast, colon(large intestine), and endometrial (uterus) cancers, among others. The factors implicated in causation include but are not limited to biological, physiological, and lifestyle factors.
One of the primary mechanisms through which physical inactivity influences cancer risk is by promoting obesity. Sedentary behaviour leads to weight gain and the accumulation of excess body fat. Adiposity, particularly abdominal fat, can increase the production of hormones such as estrogen, which has been implicated in the development and progression of cancers.
Dr Anusheel Munshi, Director, Radiation Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Noida explains that physical activity also helps regulate inflammation. Chronic inflammation is thought to play a crucial role in the development of cancer by damaging the genetic material (DNA), promoting abnormal cell growth, and supporting the spread of tumours. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help lower the likelihood of cancer development.
Sedentary individuals may engage in other unhealthy behaviours, such as poor dietary habits, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption which further heighten the likelihood of cancer. Moreover, the sedentary lifestyle of many modern societies, characterised by long hours spent sitting at desks, watching television, or using electronic devices, often leads to a decrease in overall energy expenditure and muscle activity, both of which are important for maintaining optimal health.
Body mass index (BMI) is a factor that is often used in the calculation of obesity. It takes into account the height and weight of a person. A BMI of 18-25 is ideal, whereas a BMI of 26-30 is considered overweight. A BMI of > 30 is considered as frank obesity.
Physical Inactivity And Cancer Risk (Image Credits: Canva)
For general health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity. This could be broken down into 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week. Alternatively, you could do a combination of both, depending on your preference. If someone is aiming to lose weight, they might need to increase this to about 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise (or 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity), spread over most days of the week.
In conclusion, inadequate physical activity contributes to obesity, hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, and impaired immune function, each of which increases the likelihood of developing various cancers. Regular physical activity, on the other hand, has protective effects by promoting a healthy weight and leading to a positive health cascade. Thus, staying active is one of the most effective ways to reduce cancer risk and improve overall health.
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