Being active for more than 4 minutes a day helps prevent cancer
08.01.2023

New research has found that just 4.5 minutes of vigorous physical activity per day can help reduce the risk of cancer by nearly 1/3.

How exercise reduces the risk of cancer by 1/3

New research just published in the Journal of the American Medical Association JAMA Oncology has found that just 4.5 minutes of vigorous physical activity per day can help reduce the risk of cancer by nearly 1/3.

The study authors defined intermittent vigorous physical activity as short bouts of physical activity that are repeated for about 1-2 minutes, such as brisk walks, climbing stairs, carrying heavy items, doing household chores, etc.

What did the study find?

Researchers from the University of Sydney analysed data on 22,398 people, with an average age of 62, from a British database. The participants had not yet had cancer and did not exercise regularly. They were tested for their fitness levels and monitored for 7 years.

The results found incredibly: vigorous physical activity interrupted by just 4.5 minutes a day reduced the risk of cancer by 31 to 32 percent, compared to people who did not do this type of activity, according to Healthline.

And yet, even being active for a minimum of 3-6 minutes a day has reduced the total risk of cancer by 17-18%.
Dr Louis Potters, chief of radiotherapy at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, said: "This result is an important message for people who don't have much time to exercise. It shows that even vigorous bursts of activity for very short periods of time can have a reduced effect on cancer risk. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to take the stairs, take a brisk walk for a short time, or go grocery shopping, you should use it as a means to reduce your risk of cancer. It's never too late!

This is important because many people are so afraid to stick to an exercise schedule that they can now be active for short periods of time with a high intensity to reap the benefits, says Dr. Meyers.

Heart Health Attention

According to Dr. Meyers, although the results may motivate people who exercise less, just 4 to 5 minutes of exercise is not enough for overall health. Because besides cancer, heart health is also very important. And this level of exercise is only enough to reduce the risk of cancer, not prevent cardiovascular disease.

So you should get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 to 100 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, Dr. Meyers advises, according to Healthline.

This study confirms the importance of exercise and has identified the amount of exercise needed to reduce the risk of cancer.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phat-hien-soc-cach-tap-the-duc-qua-de-giup-giam-1-3-nguy-co-ung-thu-185230729155643253.htm