The consequences of sitting too long are frequently being studied. From hours in front of a computer, to seniors living a sedentary life, the harmful effects of sitting have been compared to those smoking.
Latest research suggests leisure sitting time may be linked to higher incidences of specific cancers in women. More specifically, breast cancer, myeloma and ovarian cancer.
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Researchers compared leisure time sitting with cancer risk among 146,000 men and women. When the participants enrolled in the study they were all cancer-free. The study, which occurred between 1992 and 2009, had 18,555 male cancer diagnoses and 12,236 women cancer diagnoses.
Women who partook in leisure sitting had a 10-percent higher risk of cancer. These results were after the data was adjusted for physical activity, body mass index and other factors. There was no association of leisure sitting and cancer risk in men.
Currently, the American Cancer Society does warn of the health implications of sitting and recommend limiting sitting time as a means to prevent cancer.
The latest findings were published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention.
Sources:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-07/acs-sll071315.php
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
