Researchers from the University of Glasgow report that light daily activities, such as gardening and casual walking, may cut the risk of breast cancer by about 21 percent. The findings appeared in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health and come from a large, real-world study that tracked activity levels in a broad group of participants.
More than 48,000 British women aged 39 to 71 took part in the investigation. The participants continued their usual routines while wearable fitness wristbands recorded their movements for seven days. This objective measurement provided a clearer picture of everyday activity than self-reported surveys often used in similar research.
Following the activity-monitoring period, the women were observed for an average of five and a half years. During that time, 836 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed. Those who engaged in more than about 5 hours and 45 minutes of light physical activity per day showed a notable 21 percent reduction in risk compared with those with lower daily activity levels.
The study emphasizes that achieving this level of light activity is feasible for many people, including those who work full-time. Simple daily choices—commuting on foot, taking a stroll at lunchtime, or spending routine minutes on chores like cooking, washing dishes, and cleaning—can add up over the day.
Regular physical activity is associated with lower chronic inflammation, a factor linked to cancer development. An active lifestyle also supports immune system health, which plays a role in identifying and eliminating abnormal cells. While this area of research often relies on self-reported data, the Glasgow study strengthens the case for everyday movement by using wearable devices to capture actual behavior in real life [Attribution: Journal of Physical Activity and Health].
Experts caution that, despite promising results, findings from population studies should be interpreted carefully. Still, the use of objective activity tracking in this study helps reduce measurement bias and offers a clearer link between daily movement and cancer risk reduction. The practical meaning is straightforward: increasing light physical activity throughout the day may contribute to lower risk, particularly for women within the studied age range and demographic group. As with all health considerations, individuals should consult with healthcare professionals to tailor activity plans to personal needs and conditions. [Attribution: Journal of Physical Activity and Health].