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Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly are more effective at reducing cancer risk than either practice, according to a new study funded by the World Cancer Research Fund.
This groundbreaking research, involving more than 315,000 participants, is the first to examine the combined impact of these lifestyle factors on cancer prevention.
The study compared individuals who met World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for both waist circumference (less than 88 cm for women and 102 cm for men) and levels of exercise, to those who did not do it.
The WHO recommends 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, or an equivalent combination of weekly moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity.
Examples of moderate activity include walking very briskly (4 mph or more), heavy cleaning such as washing windows or sweeping mopping, cycling at 10-12 mph, or playing badminton.
Examples of vigorous activities include hiking, jogging at 10 mph or more, shoveling, fast cycling, playing soccer, basketball, or tennis.
During an average follow-up of 11 years, nearly 30,000 people in the study developed cancer.
Researchers found that people who did not meet WHO waist circumference guidelines had an 11% increased risk of cancer, even when they got enough exercise.
Similarly, people who didn’t meet exercise guidelines had a 4 percent increased risk of cancer, even if they were skinny.
Failure to follow any of these guidelines increases the risk of cancer by 15 percent.
Previous studies have shown that exercise and a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of cancer.
Writing in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the team said: “Adhering to WHO guidelines for waist circumference and physical activity is essential for cancer prevention; it is not enough to follow just one of these guidelines.
Dr Helen Croker, deputy director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, said: “These findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach to lifestyle rather than focusing on just one factor. to reduce the risk of cancer.
“Maintaining a healthy weight and, in particular, having a waist circumference within recommended levels and being physically active, as well as eating a healthy diet, are all crucial steps in reducing the risk of cancer.
“People can start by making small, lasting changes, like incorporating regular physical activity into their daily routine or choosing healthier food options.
“These incremental adjustments can make a big difference over time. »
Lead researcher Professor Michael Leitzmann, from the University of Regensburg in Germany, said: “We are excited by the information we have discovered regarding the interaction between waist circumference and physical activity in reducing cancer risk.
“Our results highlight the value of addressing several factors together, demonstrating that maintaining a recommended waist circumference and physical activity are essential for cancer prevention.
“This research reinforces the importance of practical, achievable lifestyle changes that can have a significant impact on health over time. »
A separate WHO report states that people are at increased risk of metabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes if their waist circumference is greater than 80 cm (31 inches) for women and 94 cm (37 inches) for men, while the increase is “substantial” if it exceeds 88 cm. and 102 cm respectively.
It comes as Cancer Research UK said it and its partners would commit £10 million to create new tools using AI and analytics to improve early detection and prevention of cancer.
It says doctors may soon be able to predict an individual’s cancer risks and offer personalized help, thanks to the five-year data-driven cancer detection program.
This could lead to the NHS offering cancer screening more frequently, or at younger ages, to those at higher risk, while those at lower risk could be spared unnecessary tests.
People identified as being at higher risk could also be sent for a cancer screening test more quickly, the association said.
The program aims to access and link data from different sources – including medical records, genomics, family history, demographic and behavioral data – to develop advanced statistical models that help scientists accurately predict who is most likely to develop cancer.
The AI will analyze the data and could calculate an individual’s risk of cancer over their lifetime.
Program director, Professor Antonis Antoniou from the University of Cambridge, said: “By understanding individual cancer risks, people can take proactive steps to stop cancer before it gets worse or even worse. ‘he doesn’t start. »