There are several types of cancer that can be risky if you sit too much.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — A study revealed that sitting too much can increase a woman’s chances of developing cancer, especially with multiple myeloma, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. But sitting time was not linked to cancer risk in men.
The study was led by Dr. Alpha Patel who led the Cancer Prevention Study-3 at the American Cancer Society. The study tracked outcomes for more than 146,000 men and women who were cancer-free at the start of the study and then followed from 1992 to 2009. During that time, nearly 31,000 of the participants developed cancer.
More time spent sitting during leisure time was associated with a 10 percent higher overall cancer risk in women, after the researchers adjusted for factors such as physical activity level and body weight. However, no such link was found in men.
Among women, the specific cancers associated with high levels of sitting during leisure time were multiple myeloma blood cancer, invasive breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.
“Further research is needed to better understand the differences in associations between men and women,” wrote Alpa Patel and colleagues. Black DoctorTuesday (19/7/2022).
Previous research has shown that physical activity can reduce cancer risk, but few studies have examined the relationship between sitting time and cancer risk. Over the past few decades, sitting time in the United States has increased, according to researchers.
This study was not designed to prove causation. However, given the amount of time Americans spend sitting, even a slight link between sitting and an increased risk of cancer can have major public health implications.
Professor of preventive medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, Paolo Boffeto said that this study provides a clear message that is to motivate individuals, especially women, to be more active.
“Encouraging individuals across all weight categories to reduce sitting time will have an impact on their physical activity, with beneficial effects on cancer and other chronic diseases,” says Bofetta.
But Dr Charles Shapiro from Mount Sinai said the study was limited by the fact that it relied on the memories of people who answered questionnaires about past habits. However, he said, the study is important because it highlights that less leisure time sitting and increased physical activity are separate entities, with separate implications for cancer risk.
“It is recommended that we exercise regularly, at least 150 minutes a week, and reduce sitting time. However, because of our schedule or the nature of our work, that may be easier said than done for some people than for others,” says Shapiro.
To reduce sitting time you can do some tips such as standing on the train or bus, setting an alarm to stand up every 30 minutes, standing or walking around while calling, and others.
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