The modern epidemic: How sedentary lifestyles are fuelling cancer – Agency

The incidence of cancer is increasing worldwide. Variations in the metabolism of nutrients, including fatty acids, amino acids and glucose, are linked to an increased risk of cancer. Numerous forms of cancer have been linked to obesity and overweight. There is strong evidence that aerobic exercise Physical activityincluding walking, can help you maintain a healthy weight. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyleespecially one that involves excessive screen time Excessive physical exercise, such as playing video games, watching television, or using the computer at work, contributes to weight gain and obesity. This leads us to some important questions.
Can physical inactivity increase your… cancer risk?
As you probably already know, exercise helps keep your heart healthy. Fortunately, it also reduces your risk of cancer. Active living is strongly associated with a lower risk of three types of cancer: a. Bowel (colon) cancer b. Breast cancer c. Endometrial carcinoma of the uterus
How can exercise reduce cancer risk?
While the precise mechanism by which physical activity reduces cancer risk is still being studied, research indicates that regular exercise can help maintain normal hormone levels. This is important, as elevated hormone levels have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
a. Exercise helps reduce insulin resistance, a condition in which the body loses the ability to use the hormone insulin to lower blood sugar levels. Inflammation has been shown to play a role in the development of cancer, and insulin resistance can increase inflammation levels in the body.
b. Being active shortens the time that cancer-causing chemicals come into contact with the lining of the colon by speeding the passage of food through the digestive system.
What is sedentary behavior?
Sedentary lifestyle refers to activities that require very little physical movement and do not consume much energy, such as sitting or lying down for long periods of time. Sedentary lifestyle is different from not getting enough exercise.

What are the most common sedentary activities?
We use screens (TVs, laptops, tablets and smartphones) for increasingly longer periods of time. In addition, we are regularly sitting while texting, watching movies, playing online games, surfing the internet or posting on social media. Screen time is often associated with consumption of high-calorie foods and drinks, sedentary lifestyles and exposure to food and drink advertising that encourages alcohol consumption. weight gainWe are also driving and using public transport more and more. And as technology has advanced, many of us are also spending our days sitting at our desks.
Why is sedentary behavior bad?
Researchers acknowledge that a sedentary lifestyle is a health risk, as it can lead to weight gain. Obesity is a risk factor for at least 11 types of cancer.
What are some practical tips to avoid a sedentary lifestyle?
a. Take short, frequent breaks when sitting. Standing or moving around for 2-3 minutes is beneficial. Simple muscle movements are great for the body!
b. Walk while talking on the phone.
c. Take standing and stretching breaks during meetings.
d. Standing, rather than sitting, on the sidelines while watching recreational games.
e. Visit your coworker to discuss problems instead of calling or emailing.
f. Use a standing desk, if one is available.
g. Replace screen time with social time. Sit less.
Plan your day to take frequent, short breaks from sitting. Being active lowers your risk of cancer, but sedentary behavior is an independent risk factor. Even if you exercise 30 minutes or more every day, if you are sedentary most days, you are still at higher risk for cancer.

(Author: Dr. Vaibhav Choudhary Consultant, Medical Oncology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai)