Association of Leisure-Time Physical Activity With Risk of 26 Types of Cancer in 1.44 Million Adults

Abstract

Physical activity is known to reduce risks of heart disease and all-cause mortality,¹ as well as risks of colon, breast, and endometrial cancers.² Less is known, however, about whether physical activity reduces risk of other cancers, which, together, constitute 75% of incident cancers in the United States³ and 61% of cancers worldwide.⁴ Physical inactivity is highly prevalent, with an estimated 51% of people in the United States⁵ and 31% of people worldwide not attaining recommended physical activity levels.⁶ Any decrease in risk of cancer associated with physical activity may therefore be relevant to public health and cancer prevention efforts.