The Impact of Sedentary Lifestyle and Prolonged Sitting on Cancer Risk Investigated
A study conducted by the University of Glasgow revealed that sitting continuously throughout the day increases the risk of death from cancer, and light movements can be protective.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow reported that prolonged inactivity increases the risk of death from cancer by 9 percent, and this duration should be broken up with light physical activities.
Scope and Methodology of the Study
In the scientific study conducted by the University of Glasgow in Scotland, movement tracker records of more than 91,000 adults in the UK Biobank database were examined.
The participants' data were meticulously tracked over a period of approximately 12 years, analyzing daily living habits and health conditions.
The Impact of Inactivity on Cancer Risk
In line with the findings obtained, it was determined that each additional hour of sitting without movement for at least half an hour increases the risk of death from cancer by 9 percent.
It was revealed that long-term inactivity triggers liver, kidney, pancreas, colorectal, breast, and thyroid types, alongside general cancer cases.
The Importance of Light Physical Activities
Researchers determined that breaking up prolonged periods of sitting with light movements can be effective in reducing cancer risk.
It was noted that replacing one hour of sitting time per day with a low level of physical activity can reduce the risk of death from cancer by 12 percent.
Experts' Recommendations and Evaluations
Dr. Frederick Ho, the lead author of the study, stated that current health guidelines generally focus on intense exercise, but light movements also protect metabolic balance.
Emphasizing that the study is based on observational data, experts recommend that desk workers take short walks during the day and break up sedentary time.