Simple activity can significantly reduce cancer risk - scientists

Australian scientists have proven that just 4.5 minutes of intense activity per day reduces cancer risk by 18%, and for cancers linked to physical inactivity, by up to 32%. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, involved 22,398 adults. The Israel Cancer Association supported the recommendations.

Researchers from the University of Sydney, led by Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, published a study in JAMA Oncology showing that just 4.5 minutes of vigorous physical activity per day can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer. The study involved 22,398 adults with a sedentary lifestyle. Participants wore wrist accelerometers that recorded short bursts of intense movement, such as brisk stair climbing or walking uphill. During the follow-up period, 2,356 cases of cancer were identified. Analysis showed that performing at least 3.6–4.5 minutes of vigorous activity per day reduced the overall cancer risk by 17-18%, and for cancers associated with insufficient physical activity, by 31%. These cancer types include lung, liver, colorectal, breast, and some blood cancers. The Israel Cancer Association (ICA) supported these findings, recommending several minutes of vigorous activity daily, such as stair climbing, brisk walking, or jumping rope.