Moving Quickly for Just Three Minutes a Day May Lower Cancer Risk, Study Finds
A new study published in JAMA Oncology has found that engaging in fast movement, even for as little as three minutes a day, can lower the risk of developing more than 10 types of cancer. The study analyzed data collected from activity trackers worn by over 22,000 individuals.
The research revealed that individuals who incorporated fast movements into their daily routines, such as running for the bus or hurrying up the stairs, for just three to four minutes a day had a significantly lower chance of dying from multiple cancers compared to those who did not rush when walking. Interestingly, this risk reduction was observed even in individuals who did not engage in regular exercise.
Tracy Crane, director of Digital Health and Lifestyle Medicine for Cancer Survivorship at The University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, highlighted that the study focused on “vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity,” rather than solely exercise. Crane emphasized that these findings imply that the average person can benefit from incorporating short bursts of activity into their daily lives, rather than feeling the need to find time for a 30-minute exercise routine.
The recommended standard for optimal health outcomes is 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week. However, not everyone is able to fit this amount of exercise into their schedule. Crane suggests that little actions like taking the stairs and parking farther away from destinations can have a significant impact on cancer prevention, especially when performed at a higher intensity.
Using data from the UK Biobank, a database with extensive health information, researchers found that engaging in three to four minutes of vigorous physical activity daily was linked to a 17% to 18% lower risk of developing cancer and nearly a 30% lower risk of developing one of the 13 types of cancers examined in the study.
Crane emphasized the importance of avoiding prolonged periods of sitting, stating that people who incorporate bursts of activity throughout their day appear to gain protection from the detrimental effects of inactivity.
In conclusion, the study highlights that adding a little more intensity to daily movements, even for just a few minutes, can contribute to lowering the risk of developing various types of cancer. This research provides valuable insights for individuals who struggle to meet the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week.