Vigorous exercise reduction linked to increased cancer risk

New research published in the journal BMC Medicine suggests that even a slight reduction in daily vigorous exercise can increase cancer risk by as much as 15 per cent. The study, which analyzed data from 59,218 participants from the UK Biobank over an eight-year period, found that replacing physical activity with sedentary behaviors—such as sitting at a desk or watching television—directly correlates with higher cancer risks.

Lead author Dr. John Mitchell from University College London (UCL) noted that the risk applies not only to sedentary individuals but also to those who previously led active lives. Theoretical modeling indicated that losing as little as two to three minutes of vigorous activity per day can elevate risk. The researchers emphasized that maintaining current activity levels is vital for long-term health, particularly for those already active.

The study observed 2,385 cancer cases and found that replacing 15 minutes of sedentary behavior or sleep with 15 minutes of movement was linked to a 2 per cent reduction in cancer risk. Conversely, swapping 30 minutes of movement for 30 minutes of sedentary behavior increased risk by 8 per cent.