Scientists have found that engaging in everyday chores like washing dishes and ironing can help reduce the risk of dying from cancer. The findings suggest that consistently breaking up long periods of sitting or reclining with even light physical activity can have a protective effect.
Researchers from Glasgow University analyzed data from approximately 91,000 participants in the UK Biobank study, who were monitored for an average of 12 years. Their findings, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, indicate that prolonged sedentary behavior is linked to an increased risk of death from cancer.
The study revealed that replacing one hour of sedentary behavior with light physical activity each day, such as slow walking or household tasks, was associated with a 12 percent lower risk of cancer death. Moderate physical activity, like brisk walking, showed an 8 percent lower risk when 30 minutes of inactivity were replaced.
Even more vigorous physical activity yielded a 22 percent lower risk when just five minutes of inactivity were swapped out. This highlights the benefit of simply interrupting long periods of sitting.
Dr. Frederick Ho, the lead author of the study, emphasized that sitting for more than 30 minutes is connected to a higher cancer risk. However, he noted the positive message that short breaks from sitting, even for a quick walk or engaging in household chores, can be protective against this increased risk.