Home Health Researchers identify two specific factors most important in reducing cancer risk, and it’s not BMI

Researchers identify two specific factors most important in reducing cancer risk, and it’s not BMI

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Experts compared the chances of cancer in people who met the World Health Organization's recommended levels for waist circumference, defined as less than 88 cm (35 inches) for women and 102 cm (40 inches) for men. the men.

Maintaining a slim waist while exercising regularly is more effective in keeping cancer at bay, research suggests.

One or the other is “insufficient” to maximize cancer risk reduction, according to a study involving more than 315,000 Britons.

Experts said this shows why a “holistic” approach to cancer prevention is needed, adding that even small lifestyle changes can have big long-term benefits.

The World Cancer Research Fund’s analysis is the first to examine how these two factors combine to minimize cancer risk.

They compared the chances of cancer in people who met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended waist circumference levels, defined as less than 88 cm (35 inches) for women and 102 cm (40 inches) for men. men.

People were also assessed to see if they met WHO exercise guidelines: 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

Over an average follow-up of 11 years, nearly 30,000 people in the study developed cancer.

Those who did not meet WHO guidelines for waist circumference had an 11 percent increased risk of cancer, even when they performed recommended levels of exercise.

Experts compared the chances of cancer in people who met the World Health Organization’s recommended levels for waist circumference, defined as less than 88 cm (35 inches) for women and 102 cm (40 inches) for men. the men.

Those who did not meet WHO guidelines for waist circumference had an 11 percent increased risk of cancer, even when they performed recommended levels of exercise. stock image

Those who did not meet WHO guidelines for waist circumference had an 11 percent increased risk of cancer, even when they performed recommended levels of exercise. stock image

Similarly, those who did not meet the exercise threshold had a four percent increased risk of cancer, even if they had a thin waist.

Not meeting any of the guidelines increased cancer risk by 15 percent, according to findings published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Lead researcher Professor Michael Leitzmann, from the University of Regensburg, Germany, said: “We are excited about the insights we have discovered about the interaction between waist circumference and physical activity in reducing cancer risk.” .

‘Our findings highlight the value of addressing multiple factors together, demonstrating that both maintaining a recommended waist size and being physically active are critical for cancer prevention.

“This research reinforces the importance of practical and achievable lifestyle changes that can have a significant impact on health over time.”

Previous studies have shown that exercise and a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of cancer.

But the authors concluded: ‘Adherence to WHO guidelines on waist circumference and physical activity is essential for cancer prevention; Complying with just one of these guidelines is insufficient.’

Examples of moderate activity include very fast walking (4 mph or faster), vigorous cleaning such as washing windows or quick mopping, bicycling at 10 to 12 mph, or badminton.

Examples of vigorous activities include walking, jogging at 6 mph or faster, shoveling, riding a fast bike, playing a game of soccer, basketball, or tennis.

It comes as Cancer Research UK said it and its partners were committing £10 million to create new tools using artificial intelligence and analytics to improve early cancer detection and prevention.

He said doctors would soon be able to predict an individual’s chances of getting cancer and offer personalized help, thanks to the five-year program of data-driven cancer screening.

This could lead to the NHS offering more frequent cancer screening, or testing at a younger age, to those at higher risk, while those at lower risk could avoid unnecessary testing.

Dr Helen Croker, deputy director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, said: “These findings underline the importance of a holistic lifestyle approach rather than focusing on a single factor to reduce cancer risk. “.

“Maintaining a healthy weight and, in particular, having a waist circumference within the recommended level and being physically active, in addition to eating a healthy diet, are crucial steps in reducing the risk of cancer.

“People can start by making small, sustainable changes, such as incorporating regular movement into daily routines or choosing healthier food options.

“These gradual adjustments can make a big difference over time.”

The research follows recent analysis which estimates the number of people living with cancer in the UK will reach a record 3.4 million this year.

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