Four to Five Minutes of Intense Exercise Can Significantly Reduce Cancer Risk, New Study Finds

Four to five minutes of vigorous physical activity per day could significantly reduce the risk of cancer among inactive individuals, according to a new study published in the journal JAMA Oncology. Researchers from the University of Sydney analyzed data from 22,398 non-exercising adults, averaging 62 years of age, who wore activity trackers for a seven-day period. The study found that engaging in daily vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity for an average of 4.5 minutes per day reduced the risk of “physical activity-related cancer incidence” by 32%. Participants who exercised for 3.4 to 3.6 minutes per day had a 17% to 18% reduced risk of cancer. The study excluded individuals with a previous cancer diagnosis and controlled for various factors including age, BMI, heart disease history, sleep habits, diet, family cancer history, and smoking status. Lead author Emmanuel Stamatakis, a professor at the University of Sydney, stated that short bursts of intense physical activity, such as climbing stairs or carrying heavy grocery bags, were linked to a reduction in cancer risk. The study highlights the potential impact of incorporating brief and sporadic bouts of vigorous physical activity into daily living, and further research is needed to establish a robust cause-and-effect relationship.