Prolonged Sitting Increases Cancer Risk

A study led by Frederick Ho of the University of Glasgow, published in PLOS Medicine, found that each additional hour of prolonged, uninterrupted sedentary behavior is associated with a 9% higher risk of cancer death. The research analyzed data from 91,292 UK Biobank participants over a median of 12.38 years. It distinguished between prolonged sedentary behavior (bouts of at least 30 minutes with 90% sedentary time) and interrupted sedentary behavior, with the latter showing a lower risk of cancer outcomes. Replacing one hour of prolonged sedentary behavior with light physical activity was linked to a 12% lower risk of cancer death. The study was supported by funding from the American Cancer Society and the United States — National Institutes of Health. While the findings show associations and not direct causality, they suggest that breaking up sitting time with light movement is beneficial for health.