The largest research to date on the potential link between diet, lifestyle, and cancer prevention shows that being physically active, including through activities such as brisk walking, exercising, and gardening can help to reduce the risk of invasive, estrogen-receptor/progesterone-receptor–positive breast cancer. This information is based on data from 257,805 women in the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC) study that collects information on occupational, recreational, and household physical activity. After a median of 11.6 years of follow-up, more than 8000 cases of invasive breast cancer were identified. Analysis showed that women who were the most physically active had a 13% reduced risk of developing invasive breast cancer compared with those who were physically inactive. Moderate physical activity was associated with an 8% risk reduction for developing invasive breast cancer.
Previous research has estimated that <150 minutes weekly of at least moderate intensity physical activity was associated with increased risk of various types of cancer. Commenting on this new EPIC study, coinvestigator Timothy J. Key, MD, Director of Cancer Research, Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, UK, said, “This large study further highlights the benefits of being active—even moderate amounts. There is also a lot of evidence that exercise reduces the risk of bowel cancer. More research is needed on other types of cancer, and to investigate the mechanisms which could explain the links.”
Sara Hiom, Director of Information at Cancer Research UK, said, “While maintaining a healthy body weight and cutting back on alcohol remain 2 of the best ways of reducing our risk of breast cancer, being active can clearly play a role too—but doesn’t have to cost you money or too much time.” She noted that “Keeping active could help prevent more than 3000 cases of cancer in the UK every year.” Cancer Research UK; September 4, 2012.
