Maintaining a healthy waist circumference and engaging in regular physical activity significantly reduces cancer risk, according to a groundbreaking study funded by the World Cancer Research Fund. The research, involving over 315,000 participants, marks the first comprehensive analysis of how these two lifestyle factors combine to prevent cancer. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, compared individuals who met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for both waist size and physical activity levels to those who adhered to neither or only one.
The WHO recommends that waist circumference not exceed 88cm for women and 102cm for men. Physical activity guidelines suggest 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, or a combination of both per week. Participants were tracked for an average of 11 years, during which nearly 30,000 developed cancer. Researchers found that individuals with waist measurements exceeding the recommended limits had an 11% higher cancer risk, even if they met exercise guidelines.
Conversely, those who were physically inactive faced a 4% increased cancer risk, even with a healthy waist circumference. People who failed to meet both criteria experienced a 15% increase in cancer risk, underscoring the combined importance of weight management and physical activity. Examples of moderate activities include brisk walking, household chores like window washing, and recreational cycling, while vigorous activities include jogging, hiking, and competitive sports such as tennis or basketball.
According to the study’s lead researcher, Professor Michael Leitzmann of the University of Regensburg, addressing both factors is critical for effective cancer prevention. “Our findings highlight the value of addressing multiple factors together, showing that both maintaining a recommended waist size and being physically active are critical for cancer prevention,” he noted. The research also emphasized the broader role of lifestyle in cancer prevention. Dr. Helen Croker, Assistant Director of Research and Policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, stated, “Maintaining a healthy weight and, in particular, having a waist circumference within the recommended level and being physically active, along with eating a healthy diet, are all crucial steps to reduce cancer risk.”
She encouraged gradual lifestyle adjustments, such as incorporating regular movement and healthier food choices, to build sustainable habits over time. In a related analysis, researchers from Edith Cowan University found that cancer patients with higher muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness had significantly lower mortality risks. This underscores the potential for tailored exercise plans to improve outcomes for individuals living with cancer, especially those in advanced stages.
Meanwhile, Cancer Research UK and its partners have committed £10 million to a five-year initiative employing AI and analytics for early cancer detection and prevention. The program aims to predict cancer risk at an individual level, enabling targeted interventions such as earlier or more frequent screenings for high-risk groups while reducing unnecessary tests for others. These findings collectively reinforce the importance of a holistic approach to cancer prevention and management, offering actionable insights for individuals and healthcare systems alike. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.