Scientists from the University of Glasgow have found that regular light activities such as gardening and walking can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 21%. Research published Journal of Physical Activity and Health.
More than 48,000 British women aged 39 to 71 participated in the study. They were asked to lead a normal life and their activity levels were monitored for seven days with the fitness wristbands provided to them.
After their activity levels were assessed, the women were followed for an average of five and a half years. During this time, 836 were diagnosed with breast cancer. Those who did more than 5 hours and 45 minutes of light physical activity a day had a 21% lower risk of developing breast cancer.
Scientists have noted that this level of activity is easily achieved even for working people: it is enough to commute, walk to lunch and spend time cooking, washing dishes or cleaning.
Physical activity reduces inflammation in the body, which can lead to cancer. Scientists suggest that it improves the health of the immune system, whose function is to seek and destroy cancer cells.
Most of these studies often use survey data from respondents, so results may be inaccurate. The advantage of the new study was the use of fitness wristbands.
Source: Gazeta
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