The researchers asked volunteers who agreed to help science in the Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) project to wear an activity tracker during their waking hours. Participants (8,002 American adults) were over 45 years old, and none had cancer. They continued to be monitored between 2009 and 2013.
When scientists again raised the data of the participants, it turned out that 268 of them died from cancer. An analysis of their activity showed that 82% of the deceased were sedentary.
However, those who did exercise had more consistent indicators of overall health. The researchers concluded that 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day (for example, cycling, jogging, walking, doing light exercise) is associated with a 31% reduction in the risk of death from cancer.
“People who set aside 10-30 minutes for mild to moderate physical activity were less likely to die from cancer,” said Dr. Susan Gilchrist, lead author of the study.
The research was conducted with limitations in mind, for example, it did not include data on participants with malignant tumors, so the conclusions were as unambiguous as possible.
The American Heart Association fears an increase in the number of jobs in professions where employees have to sit at computers all day: since 1950, the number has grown by 83%. Johns Hopkins University warns that there are currently only 20% “active” occupations in the United States. In fact, an average office worker spends 15 hours without getting up from his chair.
The American Cancer Society recently released new diet and exercise guidelines, doubling the recommended levels of physical activity. Doctors also urged people to eat less red and processed meats, as well as alcohol and beverages high in sugar.
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